Correlates of sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors

Abstract Background The study objective was to assess potential correlates of sun protection behaviors among melanoma survivors. Methods Participants were 441 survivors recruited from three health centers and a state cancer registry in the United States. Sun (sunscreen, shade, protective shirts, hats) assessed through an online survey, as (demographic, risk, knowledge beliefs, psychological social influence factors). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses conducted. Results Correlates included education, skin risk factors, worry distress, physician recommendation for protection, injunctive norms, pro-protection beliefs (e.g., perceived barriers, self-efficacy). Conclusions Future efforts improve safety may benefit targeting individuals with lower education levels, addressing influence, self-efficacy.