Topic > Tailoring a Skin Cancer Prevention Intervention for Multiethnic Adolescents

IndexIntroductionMethodResultsDiscussion and ConclusionIntroductionSkin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of skin cells. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, and its rates have been increasing by 3% each year. Avoiding patchy sunburns and indoor tanning can reduce your risk of skin cancer by 50% to 80%. There are some oppositions and challenges in applying UV prevention plans and programs with young people, who are not discouraged by the danger and warning of cancer in later life. More than half of a person's lifetime risk of skin cancer occurs during adolescence. Around 84% of students are outdoors during UVR periods between 10am and 4pm, but only a few schools, almost 31%, have sun protection actions and guidelines. These protection programs have been useful and effective in middle school, however some interventions aimed at helping high school students who are no longer under the care of their parents. There are some factors that influence UV exposures such as changes in social norms and risky activities. Many high school students think tanning is healthy and attractive and are unaware of the long-term dangers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Attitudes about preventing skin cancer vary by skin type. Some people with pigmented skin or who tan easily underestimate their cancer risk, however people with darker pigmented skin have a lower risk of skin cancer than their Caucasian counterparts, because they are able to produce more melanin. Accurate risk perception in non-white individuals, including Asians and Pacific Islanders, can lead to prolonged UV exposure, increased prevalence of sunburn, delayed skin cancer diagnoses, and increased risk of death. Cokkinides et al. found a significant increase in severe sunburn among nonwhite adolescents ages 11 to 18, despite sunscreen use. Currently, few skin cancer prevention interventions target multiethnic youth such as Asians and Pacific Islanders. In this study, our goal was to use teacher and student input to adapt a school-based intervention titled “SunSafe in the Middle School Years” for use with multiethnic high school students. Method In Hawaii, schools are built with open architectural layouts to facilitate natural cooling.30 These features expose students to direct sunlight during recess, physical education classes, and athletic activities.30 To obtain objective measures of outdoor behaviors of the students, 4 first-year medical students from the local medical school were trained in the environment using the SOSPF field observation tool to assess aggregate sun protection behaviors. SunSafe is a multicomponent intervention program that addresses environmental and behavioral factors of skin cancer prevention and has been shown to be effective in reducing UV exposure in adolescents in the northeastern United States.24 We hypothesized that SunSafe's green approach , the use of social learning theory, including observational learning, modifying behavioral skills, and building self-efficacy could address the structural factorsand behavioral issues related to UV exposure in older, multiethnic students. One student said: “We want to know… how skin cancer can affect us in life, show how you can get it from exposure to the sun, what it looks like and what happens when you get treatment. ”After the talk, students asked for detailed information about the benefits of sunscreen, including how sunscreen works and the types of sunscreen available. Class discussion sessions included testimony from a well-known local water sports athlete who shared a personal story about the importance of sun protection and incorporated a hands-on activity in which students tested the use of ray-sensitive wristbands UV which, as suggested by students, changed colors when exposed to external UV rays. Qualitative research methods included one-hour guided discussions with 50 students, 2 health education teachers, and the principal to gain input on modifying the SunSafe intervention to appeal to multiethnic high school-age students. Similar to male students, female students were initially unlikely to use different sun protection strategies; they perceived sunscreen as sticky, greasy, and only for use at the beach, and they perceived protective clothing as unattractive. The 4 observers evaluated the sun protection practices of 42 students randomly selected from the entire student population by counting the number of hats, sunglasses, etc., that were in use within a specific pre-determined area of ​​the school campus, during the 10-minute break between class periods when students went to their next class. A standardized 28-item Sun Habits Survey (SHS) developed by Glanz et al. was adapted to measure the effects of the modified SunSafe intervention on self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding UVR protection.28 The adapted survey used in this study contained 18 core items derived from expert reviews , usable across a wide range of age groups,28 and consisting of: (1) 8 items assessing knowledge about UVR protection; (2) 3 items assessing attitude towards sun protection; and (3) 7 items assessing UV protection behaviors. Assessment of students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding sun protection, conducted before and after program delivery, indicated positive changes in most items. Male students said that once they became more knowledgeable about skin cancer risk, they were more likely to use protective strategies such as sunglasses, goggles and athletic clothing designed with sun-protective features. Quantitative research methods included distributing a posttest (18 core items derived from a standardized survey consisting of 28 items) to 250 students following delivery of the modified SunSafe intervention. However, unlike male students, female students remained steadfast in their preferences for certain sun protection strategies even after gaining information about skin cancer risks. It seems like one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is to cover up, not necessarily with sunscreen, but I mean sunscreen works too and I would use it more. UVR protection in female students. Yes, it changes color and then when you go to the shade, it will change again? So if we could turn them into bracelets, I think a lot of people would understand that.” The students suggested using celebrities and athletes to promote sun protection among.