Non-traditional melanoma prevention strategies in the young adult and adolescent population

Blattner, Collin M.; Lal, Karan; Murase, Jenny E.

doi:10.5826/dpc.0404a15

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 14 publications

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“…By presenting conflicting and biased health messages, the mass media seems not to be an appropriate means for promoting sun protection strategies [ 11 , 32 , 33 ]. In nowadays information societies, Internet-based tools for communication and health promotion offer innovative melanoma prevention strategies [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Online, interactive, educational programs could potentially enhance public participation in skin health promotion, especially meeting the younger population on their level.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sun Exposure Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results from the Austrian Population-Based UVSkinRisk Survey

Haluza

Simic

Moshammer

2016

IJERPH

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Recreational sun exposure accounts for a large number of acute and chronic dermatological diseases, including skin cancer. This study aimed at estimating the one-year prevalence of sun exposure and skin health-associated knowledge and attitudes among Austrian citizens. The population-based UVSkinRisk survey investigated a representative sample of Austrian adults using a structured questionnaire. In total, 1500 study subjects (median age 33.0 years, 50.5% females) participated in this questionnaire survey. Among study participants, prevalence of sun exposure was 47%, with slightly higher rates in males (48%) compared to females (46%). Younger age, lower professional category, darker skin type, motives to tan, sunbed use, sunburn, and outdoor sport activity increased the odds for prevalent sun exposure. This is the first population-based study evaluating the prevailing sun exposure and recreational habits influencing skin health among Austrian citizens. Despite public media campaigns educating on the harmful effects of sunlight exposure, we found a high prevalence of self-reported sunlight exposure. The results suggest that multifaceted socio-cultural characteristics stimulate recreational sun exposure and tanning habits. Communicating individualized Public (Skin) Health messages might be the key to prevent photo-induced skin health hazards in light-skinned populations. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

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