College Students' Perceptions of Worry and Parent Beliefs: Associations with Behaviors to Prevent Sun Exposure.

Robert A Yockey,Oladunni Oluwoye,Laura A Nabors,Kristen Welker,Angelica M Hardee

doi:10.1155/2017/4985702

Robert A Yockey, Oladunni Oluwoye + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4985702

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Abstract

More research is needed to understand how attitudes impact behaviors that afford sun protection. The current study examined the impact of students' perceptions of parental beliefs about sun exposure and its influence on their practiced sun protection behaviors and worry about sun exposure. Participants were college students (N = 462) at a large Midwestern university. They completed a survey to examine their perceptions of risks and messages about sun exposure and sun exposure behaviors. Results indicated that gender and students' perceptions of parental beliefs about sun exposure were related to sun protection behaviors and their own worry over sun exposure. Specifically, males showed lower levels of sun protection behaviors, with the exception of wearing a hat with a brim, and lower levels of worry about sun exposure compared to females. Roughly a third of our sample had a family history of skin cancer, and this variable was related to worry about sun exposure and parental beliefs. Prevention messages and interventions to reduce sun risk for college students should address risks of sun exposure as well as educating young adults about the importance of wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats to improve sun protection.

Highlights

Estimates from recent reports from the American Cancer Society indicated that 9,730 people die from melanoma each year, with the greatest casualties in men, and the reported numbers are continuing to rise [1, 2]
Young adults may not engage in use of sunscreen or other sun protection behaviors, such as wearing hats or avoiding sun exposure [5]
Students who mentioned that sun exposure was a big deal to their parents were more likely to engage in sun protection behaviors and endorse worry about sun exposure

Summary

Introduction

Estimates from recent reports from the American Cancer Society indicated that 9,730 people die from melanoma each year, with the greatest casualties in men, and the reported numbers are continuing to rise [1, 2]. Young adults may not engage in use of sunscreen or other sun protection behaviors, such as wearing hats or avoiding sun exposure [5]. Estimates from 2015 indicated that about 33% of adults reported wearing sunscreen with SPF 15+, 38% reported wearing protective clothing, and 39% sought shade to protect themselves from the sun [6]. Greater understanding of attitudinal factors that might motivate young adults to engage in sun protection behaviors will be important to inform prevention messages for this high risk group

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