Young people and sun safety: the role of attitudes, norms and control factors.
OBJECTIVE
Differences in the behavioural, normative and control beliefs of young Australian sun-protectors and non sun-protectors are analysed using a theory of planned behaviour belief-based framework.


METHODS
A questionnaire assessed the sun-safety-related beliefs and perceptions of a Queensland sample (n=858) of young people aged between 12 and 20 years. Two weeks later, participants reported their sun-protective behaviour for the previous fortnight.


RESULTS
The study found that clear differences emerged between sun-protectors and non-protectors on underlying normative and control beliefs related to sun-safety behaviours (but not behavioural beliefs). Specifically, sun-protectors were more likely to believe that their friends and family think they should perform sun-protective behaviours. Sun-protectors were also more likely to perceive that a range of motivating factors would encourage them to perform sun-safety behaviours. Finally, non-protectors were more likely to report forgetfulness and laziness as barriers preventing them from performing sun-protection behaviours than sun-protectors.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings indicate that future interventions should target young people's normative and control beliefs related to sun safety.
Robinson
Natalie G
NG
Queensland University of Technology, Queensland.
White
Katherine M
KM
Young
Ross McD
RM
Anderson
Peter J
PJ
Hyde
Melissa K
MK
Greenbank
Susan
S
Keane
Julie
J
Rolfe
Toni
T
Vardon
Paul
P
Baskerville
Debra
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003469:Culture; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011793:Queensland; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013473:Sunscreening Agents