The Impact of Sun Solutions Educational Interventions on Select Health Belief Model Constructs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to offer the Sun Solutions intervention to operating engineers ( N = 232) to decrease sun exposure and skin cancer. The majority (82%) of the engineers worked outside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., 4 to 5 hours a day; 81.4% reported more than one sunburn during the past year and 70% sometimes or never used sunscreen compared to 30% who wore sunscreen approximately 50% or more of the time. Most reported that the intervention was helpful (97%), most were satisfied (96%) with the intervention, and 84% expressed a future intention to use sunscreen. Regarding sun protective behaviors, the intervention significantly improved perceived self-efficacy ( p < .05) and increased perceived barriers ( p < .05). Regarding sunburn and skin cancer, the intervention increased perceived benefits ( p < .05), susceptibility ( p < .05), and severity ( p < .05) for sunburning, but not skin cancer ( p > .10). The Sun Solutions intervention showed the potential to increase sunscreen use and decrease the risk of sunburn and skin cancer among operating engineers.