Effect of stimuli on sun protective habits: A randomized double‐blind controlled study. Issue 1 (9th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, Judy; Widjajahakim, Rafael; Rajanala, Susruthi; Maymone, Mayra B. C.; Secemsky, Eric; Vashi, Neelam A.
• Is Part Of: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine. Volume 35:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2018-10-09
• Subjects: sun protection -- text -- visual imagery; Photosensitivity disorders -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12416
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-4383

Abstract

Summary: Background: Visual imagery has been shown to improve adherence to health messages but has scarcely been investigated in sun protection campaigns. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of pictorial‐ and textual‐based sun protective messages in a largely Hispanic population. Methods: One hundred and forty‐five participants received standard of care (SOC) as defined as sun protective counseling and were then randomized to receive either (a) images of sun damage, (b) a textual pamphlet about sun damage, or (c) no further messages. Analysis‐of‐variance tests for repeated measures were used to estimate the effects of the different stimuli on participants' knowledge and intention to sun protect. Results: All stimulus groups demonstrated an improvement in perceived effectiveness of sun protective habits ( p < 0.05). However, pictorial and textual stimuli were both more effective than SOC in improving intentions to sun protect ( p < 0.05), but there was no differential effect between the two. Conclusions: Both pictorial and textual stimuli were more effective than SOC in improving intentions to sun protect, but there was no differential effect between the two.