Appearance‐based interventions to reduce ultraviolet exposure and/or increase sun protection intentions and behaviours: A systematic review and meta‐analyses. (18th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Alison L.; Grogan, Sarah; Clark‐Carter, David; Buckley, Emily
• Is Part Of: British journal of health psychology. Volume 18:Part 1(2013)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 217
• Publication Date: 2012-09-18
• Subjects: Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02089.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-107X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="bjhp2089-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="bjhp2089-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>A systematic review and meta‐analyses were conducted to identify and review research examining the impact of appearance‐based interventions on sun protection intentions and/or ultraviolet (UV) exposure behaviour.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp2089-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A search of 16 databases including PsycARTICLES, Cochrane Library and Web of Knowledge was conducted to identify studies examining the impact of appearance‐based interventions on reducing UV exposure and/or increasing sun protection intentions and behaviours. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria, and these studies were subjected to a systematic review and meta‐analyses to determine the effectiveness of the interventions.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp2089-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Interventions used a variety of techniques including UV technology and photoaging information. Study design and outcome measures varied. The research indicated that appearance‐based interventions have a positive effect on UV exposure and sun protection intentions and behaviour.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp2089-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Findings suggest that interventions based on the appearance‐damaging effects of UV exposure, and the positive effects of sun protection, may have a role in health promotion. It is concluded that there is a need for further research incorporating a wider range of participants, and using qualitative and mixed methods designs.</p> </sec> <sec id="bjhp2089-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Statement of contribution</title> <p> <italic> <bold>What is already known on the subject?</bold> </italic> Recreational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, are the primary causes of all melanomas, leading to skin cancer. A previous systematic review (Dodd & Forshaw, <xref ref-type="link" rid="bjhp2089-bib-0014">2010</xref>) looking at the efficacy of appearance‐focussed interventions in skin cancer prevention, suggested that there were significant effects for UV protection behaviour after such interventions.</p> <p> <italic> <bold>What does this study add?</bold> </italic> An up‐to‐date systematic review of studies that has carried out appearance‐based interventions to reduce UV exposure and/or increase sun protection intentions and behaviours. A meta‐analysis of data providing statistical evidence indicating that appearance‐based interventions have a positive effect on UV exposure and sun protection intentions and behaviour.</p> </sec> </abstract>