Systematic review of population-based studies on the impact of images on UV attitudes and behaviours

Abstract

Visual images have been shown to influence health behaviours. The effectiveness of population interventions, which use visual images to influence skin cancer prevention behaviours, has not been systematically evaluated. We, therefore, undertook a systematic review of peer-reviewed, health education and health promotion research on skin cancer and tanning to examine the outcomes of studies, which used visual images as part of their methodology. Our objective was to describe the impact of visual images on UV protection and exposure attitudes and behaviours across the studies. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Images positively impact knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to UV exposure and UV protection. Images also influence the perceived attractiveness of untanned or tanned skin, which in turn, influences UV exposure attitudes and behaviours. Implications for future health promotion research and practice are discussed.