Sun Protection Preferences and Behaviors among Young Adult Males during Maximum Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure Activities

Marilyn Wickenheiser, Mary Kate Baker, Rikki Gaber, Hanz Blatt and June K. Robinson
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Marilyn Wickenheiser: Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Mary Kate Baker: Department of Community & Behavioral Health, East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
Rikki Gaber: Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Hanz Blatt: Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
June K. Robinson: Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

IJERPH, 2013, vol. 10, issue 8, 1-14

Abstract: This study explores sun protection attitudes, preferences, and behaviors among young adult males participating in an open-field activity with extreme ultraviolet radiation exposure. Male drum corps members ( n = 137) responded to survey questions regarding their behavior and willingness to engage in sun protection and barriers to sunscreen usage. A subset of members ( n = 31) participated in cognitive interviews exploring various sunscreen products and intervention techniques. Participants were knowledgeable about health risks and protection benefits regarding sun exposure. Generally, males had positive attitudes and normative beliefs about using sunscreen. A barrier to sunscreen re-application was lack of adequate time to reapply sunscreen during the open field activity. Males preferred a towelette application method, but were unfamiliar with its efficacy and proper use. Thus, they were more likely to use the more familiar sunscreen spray. To increase sun protection behaviors and lower skin cancer risk for males participating in open-field activities, breaks must be allotted every 2 h and have sufficient time to allow sunscreen application. Future development and research into delivery systems that rapidly and evenly apply sunscreen may help lower exposure in this population.

Keywords: sun protection; male adolescent attitudes; primary prevention of melanoma (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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