The Skin Savvy Study: A Behavioral Skin Cancer Prevention Intervention

• Self-report UV exposure and protective behaviors [ Time Frame: 3, 6, and 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• UV-detect photos [ Time Frame: 6 and 12 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

The purpose of the proposed project is to investigate the efficacy and longevity of two novel approaches to changing skin protection behaviors: 1) UV-detect photos that reveal currently existing skin damage and 2) motivational interviewing (MI), a person-centered, yet directive counseling style used to enhance internal motivation to change health behaviors. The proposed investigations include a pilot study to refine the methodology; a small formal randomized controlled efficacy trial; and a dismantling study. These studies will also expand current knowledge and research in several major ways: 1) the use of UV-detect photos will enable highly salient and personalized feedback, 2) MI will be used in a previously untried health domain (skin cancer prevention), 3) objective skin color changes will be measured using state-of-the-art skin reflectance spectrophotometry, and 4) the proposed studies will test aspects of several major psychological theories (e.g., Transtheoretical Model, Prototype/Willingness Model) to identify moderators/mediators of outcome.

Teens and young adults are at high risk for overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a leading factor in the development of skin cancer. The majority of these individuals continue to protect themselves minimally and tan intentionally, including significant increases in tanning booth use recently. Such care-free behaviors exist despite widespread education/awareness about UV radiation and skin cancer. The purpose of the proposed project is to investigate the efficacy and longevity of two novel approaches to changing skin protection behaviors: 1) UV-detect photos that reveal currently existing skin damage and 2) motivational interviewing (MI), a person-centered, yet directive counseling style used to enhance internal motivation to change health behaviors. The proposed investigations include a pilot study to refine the methodology; a small formal randomized controlled efficacy trial; and a dismantling study. These studies will also expand current knowledge and research in several major ways: 1) the use of UV-detect photos will enable highly salient and personalized feedback, 2) MI will be used in a previously untried health domain (skin cancer prevention), 3) objective skin color changes will be measured using state-of-the-art skin reflectance spectrophotometry, and 4) the proposed studies will test aspects of several major psychological theories (e.g., Transtheoretical Model, Prototype/Willingness Model) to identify moderators/mediators of outcome. Therefore, the studies should provide useful information about process and outcome for skin cancer prevention researchers and clinicians.

• Device: UV-Detect Instant Photos
  UV-Detect Instant Photos
• Behavioral: Motivational Interviewing
  Motivational Interviewing
• Behavioral: Education
  Education

• Placebo Comparator: 1
  Education
  Intervention: Behavioral: Education
• Active Comparator: 2
  Motivational Interviewing
  Intervention: Behavioral: Motivational Interviewing
• Active Comparator: 3
  UV-detect photos
  Intervention: Device: UV-Detect Instant Photos
• Experimental: 4
  UV-detect photos and Motivational Interviewing
  Interventions:

  • Device: UV-Detect Instant Photos
  • Behavioral: Motivational Interviewing

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Visual impairment