Abstract
Given the importance of sun protection in the prevention of skin cancer, this study was designed to determine predictors of sun-protective practices among a sample of Iranian female college students based on protection motivation theory (PMT) variables. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 201 female college students in Iran University of Medical Sciences were selected. Demographic and PMT variables were assessed with a 67-item questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to identify demographic and PMT variables that were associated with sun-protective practices and intention. one percent of participants always wore a hat with a brim, 3.5% gloves and 15.9% sunglasses while outdoors. Only 10.9% regularly had their skin checked by a doctor. Perceived rewards, response efficacy, fear, self-efficacy and marital status were the five variables which could predict 39% variance of participants intention to perform sun-protective practices. Also, intention and response cost explained 31% of the variance of sun-protective practices. These predictive variables may be used to develop theory-based education interventions interventions to prevent skin cancer among college students.
Highlights
The incidence of both skin cancers, melanoma and non-melanoma, has been increasing over the past decades
Given the importance of sun protection in the prevention of skin cancer, this study was designed to determine predictors of sun-protective practices among a sample of Iranian female college students based on protection motivation theory (PMT) variables
PMT assumes that protection motivation results from two appraisal processes which are a positive function of perceptions of severity, vulnerability, response efficacy and self-efficacy, as well as a negative function of perceptions of the rewards associated with maladaptive responses and the response costs of the adaptive behavior
Summary
The incidence of both skin cancers, melanoma and non-melanoma, has been increasing over the past decades. Limiting exposure to UV or applying using regular sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing sunglasses, wearing protective clothing avoiding artificial tanning devices and changing sunbathing habits may be reduce the risk of developing skin cancer risk by over 75% (Stern et al, 1986; WHO, 2015). PMT assumes that protection motivation (i.e. intention to follow a recommended behavior) results from two appraisal processes which are a positive function of perceptions of severity, vulnerability, response efficacy and self-efficacy, as well as a negative function of perceptions of the rewards associated with maladaptive responses and the response costs of the adaptive behavior. For protection motivation to be elicited, perceptions of severity and vulnerability should outweigh the rewards associated with maladaptive responses.
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