OBJECTIVE: To create skin cancer risk profiles that could be used to predict sun protection among Midwest beachgoers. METHOD: Cluster analysis was used with study participants (N=239), who provided information about sun protection motivation and behavior, perceived risk, burn potential, and tan importance. Participants were clustered according to their risk profiles; 4 distinct risk profiles emerged. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that risk profiles were significantly different on sun protection motivation and behavior and marginally different in terms of sun tanning behavior. CONCLUSION: Given the complexity of risk factors, an examination of clusters, rather than factors in isolation, may more accurately depict sun protection behavior.
OBJECTIVE: To create skin cancer risk profiles that could be used to predict sun protection among Midwest beachgoers. METHOD: Cluster analysis was used with study participants (N=239), who provided information about sun protection motivation and behavior, perceived risk, burn potential, and tan importance. Participants were clustered according to their risk profiles; 4 distinct risk profiles emerged. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that risk profiles were significantly different on sun protection motivation and behavior and marginally different in terms of sun tanning behavior. CONCLUSION: Given the complexity of risk factors, an examination of clusters, rather than factors in isolation, may more accurately depict sun protection behavior.
Authors: Sherry L Pagoto; Kristin L Schneider; Jessica Oleski; Jamie S Bodenlos; Philip Merriam; Yunsheng Ma Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2009-02-05 Impact factor: 3.295