Predicting children's sunscreen use: Application of the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior

Background. Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the Unite d States despite the fact that most cases can be prevented by limiting sun exposure. Childhood and adolescence are periods of life during which prolon ged sun exposure is particularly common. Accordingly, promoting sun-protect ive behaviors during these formative years can be of critical importance in preventing skin cancer. The present study applied the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior to the understanding of children's sunscreen u se. Based on these theories, it was hypothesized that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control would be related to intentions to use sunscreen, which, in turn, would be related to actual sunscreen use. Methods. Questionnaires measuring sun related attitudes, beliefs, perceived control, and intentions were administered to 199 fourth graders (ages 9 to 13, mean = 10.3) attending public schools in Florida. Self-report measures of sun-related behavior were administered to the same subjects 1 month lat er. Results, Results of correlational analyses were consistent with study hypot heses. Higher rates of sunscreen use at follow-up were predicted by stronge r intentions to use sunscreen assessed 1 month previously. In addition, str onger intentions to use sunscreen were found to be related to more favorabl e attitudes toward sunscreen use, stronger beliefs that peers and parents f avored sunscreen use, and greater perceptions of personal control in using sunscreen. Path and multiple regression analyses identified direct and indi rect relationships among study variables that partially confirmed those pre dicted by the theories and provided support for the use of an expanded mode l that included perceived behavioral control. Conclusions. The present study confirmed hypotheses derived from the theori es of reasoned action and planned behavior regarding the relation of attitu des, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control to sunscreen use am ong fourth graders. In addition to their theoretical significance, these fi ndings suggest ways to intervene at the individual, classroom, and family l evels to promote greater sunscreen use in this age group. (C) 1999 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.