Can sun protection knowledge change behavior in a resistant population?

Cutis. 2007 Jun;79(6):463-70.

Abstract

The future skin cancer statistics for the youth of the United States are staggering. Traditional educational programs are currently the mainstay to foster sun protective awareness for this high-risk, sun-worshipping population. This study was designed to monitor high school students for both short-term and long-term changes in knowledge and attitude, as well as for any change in behavior, following a standard sun protection intervention. Our results demonstrated that although students had an increase in knowledge, it was insufficient to change their behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Education*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Radiation Protection
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Skin Neoplasms / psychology
  • Sunlight / adverse effects
  • Sunscreening Agents / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Sunscreening Agents