Factors Influencing Sun Protection Behaviors Among Patients With Skin Cancer: An Application of the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess predictors of sun protection behaviors based on the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model among people diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 311 patients with NMSC was recruited at a medical center in Mississippi. Patients were invited to complete a face- and content-valid, IMB-model-based questionnaire. The average age of the participants was 64.12 (±12.02) years, and most (58.8%) were male. Most participants indicated not using sun protection behaviors while outdoors. Findings showed that sun protection behaviors were directly predicted by self-efficacy (standardized path coefficient = 0.504, p < .001) and social support (standardized path coefficient = 0.199, p = .010). In addition, sun protection behavior was indirectly predicted (through self-efficacy) by social support (standardized indirect effect = 0.160, p < .001) and attitudes (standardized indirect effect = 0.192, p = .001). The explained variances for self-efficacy and sun protection behaviors were 43% and 35.4%, respectively. In conclusion, the IMB model appears to be a useful theoretical framework for predicting sun protection behaviors among patients with NMSC. Sun safety intervention programs should be developed based on this theoretical model for patients with NMSC.