Effects of skin cancer prevention education and sunscreen availability on sunscreen use among outdoor high school athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an educational intervention on knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of outdoor high school athletes regarding skin cancer. An educational intervention was performed on knowledge and behaviors in athletes participating in high school soccer, tennis, cross country, and track and field (N=50). The effect of educational intervention on knowledge about sun exposure and skin cancer before and after was measured by paired samples t-test showed statistical significance in scores ((t(48) = 6.261, p < .001). The effect of educational intervention on willingness to apply sunscreen was also measured during this study. The rates of willingness to use sunscreen if made available increased from 32.7% pre-intervention to 90% post-intervention. Outdoor high school athletes are at higher risk for skin cancer due to sun exposure and lack of sun-protective behaviors. Skin cancer education can improve knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes in that at-risk population.