Melanoma Knowledge and Sun Protection Attitudes and Behaviors among College Students by Gender and Skin Type

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the melanoma and sun protection knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of college students attending a large Midwestern university. Further, gender and skin type (fair, medium, or dark) were examined as potential intervening variables. Results indicate that the college students studied had low knowledge levels related to melanoma and sun prevention behaviors. Their attitudes toward sun protection were in the medium range, being neither strongly positive nor negative. Their general sun protection behaviors and specific sunscreen use behaviors were fairly poor. Both gender and skin type were found to have a significant impact on melanoma knowledge and sun protection attitudes and behaviors. Females and those with fair skin were more knowledgeable and had better attitudes and behaviors. Implications of these findings for health educators are thoroughly discussed.