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A Longitudinal Study of Sun‐Protective Attitudes and Behaviors
Author(s) -
LaBat Karen,
DeLong Marilyn,
Gahring Sherri A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
family and consumer sciences research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.372
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1552-3934
pISSN - 1077-727X
DOI - 10.1177/1077727x04272367
Subject(s) - sun protection , sun exposure , skin cancer , psychology , intervention (counseling) , clothing , health education , medicine , health protection , environmental health , medical education , family medicine , nursing , cancer , public health , geography , dermatology , psychiatry , archaeology
The goal of this research was to determine the long‐term viability of a sun health message. A multi‐part educational intervention on hazards of sun exposure and methods of protection was delivered to fifth‐ and sixth‐grade students, followed by a questionnaire to assess learning of the message. Four years later, participants were tracked and a questionnaire administered to assess retention of the sun health message. No formal sun health educational programs were delivered over the 4‐year period. Participants retained the knowledge that sun can cause cancer and skin damage; however, the importance of appearance to these teens seems to have affected decisions about sun protection methods. Four years later, as teens, the students preferred a sun‐tanned appearance and rejected methods of sun protection, especially the use of sun‐protective clothing.