Adolescents get disproportionately exposed to ultraviolet rays due to willful tanning, outdoor activities and insufficient sunscreen use. The rise in skin cancer incidence warrants effective and focused interventions to encourage photoprotective behaviors.

A recent study determines poor photoprotective behavior risk factors in adolescents and the impact of video contests in increasing sun-protective knowledge and intentions.

The survey included 20 high school students who were enrolled in a tanning myths-themed public service announcement video contest, and also 8 students who did not participate in the video contest. Demographics, exposure to the sun, tanning intentions and sunscreen regimen were documented by each student, who were also provided with a 7-question sun safety quiz.

The results showed:

• 93.2% survey response rate.
• About 66% of participants reported at least one sunburn, and 47.7% reported intentional tanning within the past 2 years.
• A personal, family and peer history of tanning showed to increase the intention to tan.
• Video contest participants demonstrated higher sun safety quiz scores and sunscreen use intentions, except for tanning intentions compared to non-video contest participants.
• Only a few Hispanic and Black students participated in the video contest.
• White students as well as students of color demonstrated sun exposure history, but the latter showed lower sun safety knowledge and lower sunscreen use intention.

Thus, there exist discrepancies regarding sun safety education, warranting targeted efforts to encourage photoprotective behaviors in high-risk populations. Also, participation in a video contest may help encourage sunscreen use and sun protection awareness.

Source: Truong A, Forbes B, Zhang M, et al. A Sun Safety Pilot Program using a tanning myths-focused video contest for Utah adolescents: cross-sectional analysis. JMIR Dermatol. 2021;4(1):e20192.