PREDICTORS OF SUN PROTECTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS AT THE BEACH

Many adolescents are at risk of skin cancer later in life because they spend long periods outdoors, especially M during summer. This study o bserved and surveyed adolescents (aged 15-20 years) at the beach in su mmer, to determine predictors of sun protection behaviour in a high-ri sk situation. Adolescent attitudes toward tanning and beliefs about sk in cancer formed the basis of questioning. It was found that most adol escents had inadequate levels of protection from the sun. Dark current tan levels and the reported intention to sunbake directly predicted l ow levels of sun protection cover. Further analyses showed indirect pr edictors of sun protection behaviour, including tan preferences, numbe r of days spent on the beach over summer. and social norms. The result s indicate that adolescents are not adequately modifying their behavio ur to match the degree of risk to which they are exposing themselves. It appears that their behaviour is influenced by image-related factors in ways which reduce their use of optimal sun protection.