Study protocol: a randomised controlled trial of a theory-based online intervention to improve sun safety among Australian adults

Abstract

BackgroundThe effects of exposure to ultraviolet radiation are a significant concern in Australia which has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world. Despite most skin cancers being preventable by encouraging consistent adoption of sun-protective behaviours, incidence rates are not decreasing. There is a dearth of research examining the factors involved in engaging in sun-protective behaviours. Further, online multi-behavioural theory-based interventions have yet to be explored fully as a medium for improving sun-protective behaviour in adults. This paper presents the study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of an online intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) that aims to improve sun safety among Australian adults.Methods/DesignApproximately 420 adults aged 18 and over and predominantly from Queensland, Australia, will be recruited and randomised to the intervention (n = 200), information only (n = 200) or the control group (n = 20). The intervention focuses on encouraging supportive attitudes and beliefs toward sun-protective behaviour, fostering perceptions of normative support for sun protection, and increasing perceptions of control/self-efficacy over sun protection. The intervention will be delivered online over a single session. Data will be collected immediately prior to the intervention (Time 1), immediately following the intervention (Time 1b), and one week (Time 2) and one month (Time 3) post-intervention. Primary outcomes are intentions to sun protect and sun-protective behaviour. Secondary outcomes are the participants’ attitudes toward sun protection, perceptions of normative support for sun protection (i.e. subjective norms, group norms, personal norms and image norms) and perceptions of control/self-efficacy toward sun protection.DiscussionThe study will contribute to an understanding of the effectiveness of a TPB-based online intervention to improve Australian adults’ sun-protective behaviour.Trials registryAustralian and New Zealand Trials Registry number ACTRN12613000470796

Barriers and facilitators to opportunistic chronic kidney disease screening by general practice nurses

“…It has been utilized to evaluate various health‐related behaviour change interventions including breastfeeding, healthy eating and physical activity . Recently, it has been also used to evaluate the influence of e‐learning interventions including medication safety, university student health behaviours, sun safety and breakfast consumption . Despite its predictive potential, there has been no published research to date using the TPB in the context of investigating the barriers and facilitators of CKD screening practices in the GP setting.…”

A randomised controlled trial of an online theory-based intervention to improve adult Australians' sun-protective behaviours

“…1 for a participant flow chart) completed a baseline questionnaire immediately before the experimental session (Time 1) after which they were randomly allocated (via a computer-generated random number sequence) to the intervention (n = 265; M age = 38.94 years; 38% male; 69.8% fair-skinned) or information only (n = 267; M age = 39.64 years; 39.3% male; 71.6% fairskinned) condition. The intervention comprised an interactive 20-25 min online session incorporating animated scenarios, problem solving, goal setting, and quizzes, prompting participants to consider their attitudes towards, normative support for, and control over using sun protection (see Cleary et al, 2014). Information only participants viewed an 8-minute DVD and read fact sheets about sun protection, resources currently available on Cancer Council Queensland's website.…”

Sun protective behaviors at an outdoor entertainment event in Australia

“…Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans, with approximately 2–3 million non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and 132 000 cases of melanoma diagnosed globally each year (World Health Organization, ). Australia has among the highest rates of skin cancer in the world (Cleary et al, ), which creates a significant public health burden. The total treatment cost for NMSC in Australia during 2015 is estimated to be US$537 million (A$703 million) (Cancer Council ACT, ).…”

“…Health Organization, 2017). Australia has among the highest rates of skin cancer in the world (Cleary et al, 2014), which creates a significant public health burden. The total treatment cost for NMSC in Australia during 2015 is estimated to be US$537 million (A$703 million) (Cancer Council ACT, 2017).…”