Elsevier

Preventive Medicine

Volume 35, Issue 6, December 2002, Pages 584-592
Preventive Medicine

Regular Article
Randomized Controlled Community Trial of the Efficacy of a Multicomponent Stage-Matched Intervention to Increase Sun Protection among Beachgoers

https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2002.1114Get rights and content

Abstract

Background. Skin cancer is about as common as all other cancers combined and is preventable by sun protection. The most intense sun exposures often occur on the beach, so we chose this setting to test an intervention to affect sun protection behaviors.

Methods. We developed a multicomponent stage-matched intervention for beachgoers and evaluated its efficacy in a randomized trial for influencing stage of change and self-reported behavior.

Results. We randomized 2,324 persons ages 16 to 65 on the beach (83% of those approached). The intervention was effective in increasing self-reported sun protective behaviors. Effects were similar across gender and age groups.

Conclusions. The beach is a good site for recruitment and intervention to prevent skin cancer in high-risk populations. Our stage-matched intervention package was effective for increasing sun protective behaviors.

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    This research was supported by Grant AR43051.

    2

    To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed at Dermatoepidemiology Unit, VA Medical Center–111D, 830 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI 02908-4799. Fax: 401-457-3332. E-mail: [email protected].

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