Use of sunscreen in health care professionals - The Health Belief Model

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among perceived s usceptibility, demographic variables, and use of sunscreen in health care p roviders, using the Health Belief Model Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 90 participants from the Southeast, ages 24 to 60 years. This sample in cluded nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and physici ans. Demographics revealed that 63% had postgraduate or professional degree s, 91% were white, 88% were women, 4% had a family history of skin cancer, and 4% had a personal history of skin cancer. Participants at actual high r isk and those at actual low risk reported appropriate perceived susceptibil ity scores. However, those whose actual risk was average, perceived their r isk to be low. There was no significant relationship found between actual r isk of developing skin cancer and use of sunscreen. There was a significant relationship between age and perceived susceptibility to skin cancer. The older the subject the higher the perceived susceptibility Health care provi ders have the ability to influence individuals to use sunscreen. Accurately perceived susceptibility to skin cancer will increase the likelihood of he alth care providers recommending sunscreen to their patients.