title: Sustained use of an occupational sun safety program in a recreation industry: follow-up to a randomized trial on dissemination strategies.
abstract: The sustainability of evidence-based programs is needed to obtain long-term benefits. To assess sustainability of Go Sun Smart (GSS), an occupational skin cancer prevention program disseminated to the North American ski industry. Fifty-three of the 68 ski areas from the original dissemination trial participated in 2012 and 2013, 5 to 7 years after program distribution by enhanced or basic dissemination strategies. Sustained use was measured by: (1) on-site observation of sun protection communication and (2) an online survey with senior managers. In the sustainability assessment, sun safety communication had declined, and dissemination strategy did not affect continued use. Managers held weaker attitudes about skin cancer importance and program fit, but more managers provided free/reduced-cost sunscreen than in the dissemination trial. Manager turnover was a key factor in program discontinuance. Sustainability remains a challenge. Additional research is needed to determine the best strategies for sustainability.
authors.affiliation: Klein Buendel Inc, 1667 Cole Blvd. Ste. 225, Golden, CO 80113 USA.
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Buller
authors.affiliation: Klein Buendel Inc, 1667 Cole Blvd. Ste. 225, Golden, CO 80113 USA.
authors.forename: Barbara J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Walkosz
authors.affiliation: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA.
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.affiliation: Mikonics Inc, Auburn, CA USA.
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL USA.
authors.forename: Gary R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Cutter
keywords: Dissemination; Sun protection; Sustainability; Workplace