Young People and Sun Safety: The Role of Attitudes, Norms and Control Factors

Issue addressed: Differences in the behavioural, normative and control beliefs of young Australian sunprotectors and non sun-protectors are analysed using a theory of planned behaviour belief-based framework. Methods: A questionnaire assessed the sun-safety-related beliefs and perceptions of a Queen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health promotion journal of Australia 2008-04, Vol.19 (1), p.45-51
Main Authors: Robinson, Natalie G., White, Katherine M., McD. Young, Ross, Anderson, Peter J., Hyde, Melissa K., Greenbank, Susan, Keane, Julie, Rolfe, Toni, Vardon, Paul, Baskerville, Debra
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Attitudes
beliefs
Cancer
Child
Culture
Data Collection
Diagnosis
Female
Health aspects
Health behaviour
Health beliefs
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Melanoma
Planned behaviour theory
Prevention
Protective Clothing - utilization
Queensland
Risk-Taking
Skin
sun safety
Sunbathing
Sunscreening Agents - therapeutic use
Sunscreens
theory of planned behaviour
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects
Young adults
Young people
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Summary:Issue addressed: Differences in the behavioural, normative and control beliefs of young Australian sunprotectors and non sun-protectors are analysed using a theory of planned behaviour belief-based framework. Methods: A questionnaire assessed the sun-safety-related beliefs and perceptions of a Queensland sample (n=858) of young people aged between 12 and 20 years. Two weeks later, participants reported their sunprotective behaviour for the previous fortnight. Results: The study found that clear differences emerged between sun-protectors and non-protectors on underlying normative and control beliefs related to sun-safety behaviours (but not behavioural beliefs). Specifically, sun-protectors were more likely to believe that their friends and family think they should perform sun-protective behaviours. Sun-protectors were also more likely to perceive that a range of motivating factors would encourage them to perform sun-safety behaviours. Finally, non-protectors were more likely to report forgetfulness and laziness as barriers preventing them from performing sun-protection behaviours than sunprotectors. Conclusions: Findings indicate that future interventions should target young people's normative and control beliefs related to sun safety.
ISSN:1036-1073
2201-1617
DOI:10.1071/HE08045