Outcomes of cluster profiles within stages of change for sun protection behavior.
OBJECTIVE
Predictive and external validity was studied among cluster profiles for sun protection behavior within stages from Transtheoretical Model of behavior change using follow-up data.


METHODS
Data from participants in a home-based expert system were analyzed. Longitudinal patterns of clusters on the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages of change were assessed. Differences between clusters on membership in action/maintenance stages and scores on the Sun Protection Behavior Scale (SPBS) were measured at 12 and 24 months after intervention.


RESULTS
Differences between clusters on stage progression and on scores from the SPBS were found at 12 and 24 months after intervention at all stages.


CONCLUSIONS
Predictive and external validity of sun protection subtypes was established using sun protection variables after a stage-matched intervention. Results provide information to improve interventions for sun protection.
Cancer Prevention Research Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston 02881-0808, USA. smarimer@my.uri.edu
Marimer
M
Santiago-Rivas
Wayne F
WF
Velicer
Colleen A
CA
Redding
James O
JO
Prochaska
Andrea L
AL
Paiva
D000328:Adult; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D013473:Sunscreening Agents