TY - JOUR
T1 - Predictors of sun exposure in adolescents in a southeastern U.S. population
AU - Reynolds, Kim D.
AU - Blaum, Jane M.
AU - Jester, Penelope M.
AU - Weiss, Heidi
AU - Soong, Seng Jaw
AU - Diclemente, Ralph J.
N1 - Funding Information:
The research described in this article was supported by the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center funded by National Cancer Institute Grant CA13148. The authors thank Carol Chesnutt, Sarah Owen, and Carol Barber for their help in the development and execution of the research in the participating schools. They also thank Janice Ruddell for her contributions to the formulation of the survey and the following Dermatology residents at UAB for their help in the collection of the data. Dr. Carter Abel, Dr. Jean Kois, Dr. Bruce Rye, Dr. Ed Searle, Dr. Colleen Shimazu, and Dr. Scarlette Smith.
PY - 1996/12
Y1 - 1996/12
N2 - Purpose: With the increase in melanoma incidence, the sun exposure and protective behaviors of adolescents are of great concern. Limited data are available on the prevalence and predictors of risk behavior in adolescents in the southeastern United States. This study examined the levels of sun exposure and variables predictive of sun exposure among adolescents in two Alabama middle schools. Methods: A total of 509 sixth-graders completed a self-administered survey assessing: (a) their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about malignant melanoma; and (b) their sun exposure and sunburns for a specific weekend and for the summer. Results: Levels of sun exposure and frequency of sunburn were high. Regression models determined the predictors of weekend and summer sun exposure, and weekend sunburn. Significant predictors varied by outcome and included gender, perceived importance of a suntan, parent and peer modeling, and sunscreen use. Conclusions: Reducing the risk of melanoma will require a three-pronged intervention strategy with efforts directed at adolescents, their parents, and the broader community.
AB - Purpose: With the increase in melanoma incidence, the sun exposure and protective behaviors of adolescents are of great concern. Limited data are available on the prevalence and predictors of risk behavior in adolescents in the southeastern United States. This study examined the levels of sun exposure and variables predictive of sun exposure among adolescents in two Alabama middle schools. Methods: A total of 509 sixth-graders completed a self-administered survey assessing: (a) their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about malignant melanoma; and (b) their sun exposure and sunburns for a specific weekend and for the summer. Results: Levels of sun exposure and frequency of sunburn were high. Regression models determined the predictors of weekend and summer sun exposure, and weekend sunburn. Significant predictors varied by outcome and included gender, perceived importance of a suntan, parent and peer modeling, and sunscreen use. Conclusions: Reducing the risk of melanoma will require a three-pronged intervention strategy with efforts directed at adolescents, their parents, and the broader community.
KW - Adolescent health behavior
KW - Protective skin behavior
KW - Sun exposure
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U2 - 10.1016/S1054-139X(96)00050-X
DO - 10.1016/S1054-139X(96)00050-X
M3 - Article
C2 - 8969372
AN - SCOPUS:0030460112
SN - 1054-139X
VL - 19
SP - 409
EP - 415
JO - Journal of Adolescent Health
JF - Journal of Adolescent Health
IS - 6
ER -