Predictors of sun protective behaviors among school students

A random sample of students (N = 3,655) in Grades 7, 9, mid 11 from 55 scho ols in Queensland (Australia) were surveyed about their sun protection know ledge, attitudes and behaviors. An aggregate sun protection behavior index (SPBI) tvas developed from self-reported behaviors on a school day and a we ekend day. Repeated measures regression analyses revealed that negative vie ws of sun protection measures were associated with low scores on the SPBI, an association that was strongest among alder students and in larger school s. Low perceived parental sun protective behaviors were associated with low SPBI ratings, and this association was greatest in small schools and on Sa turdays. Older students had lower SPBI ratings, but their scores increased art Saturdays. Gender did not appear to be independently related to the SPB I after adjustment for the other variables. These findings reinforce the ne ed for adolescent sun protection programs to address the complex interactio ns among psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence di fferent subgroups of the student population.