The Sustainability of an Occupational Skin Cancer Prevention Program.

OBJECTIVE

Sustainability of prevention programs is a public health goal.

METHODS

The effectiveness of Go Sun Smart, an occupational skin cancer prevention program, was evaluated 5 to 7 years out from the conclusion of a controlled randomized dissemination trial that compared an enhanced versus basic dissemination strategy at 53 ski areas enrolled in the trial.

RESULTS

Employees (n = 2940) at ski areas in the enhanced condition reported fewer sunburns but did not differ from employees in the basic condition on other sun-protection measures. Significant differences for all sun-protection practices were identified at ski areas that displayed nine or more Go Sun Smart materials or a combined total of nine or more Go Sun Smart and other sun safety messages.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to prevention messages is an important determinant of program effectiveness and potentially of program sustainability.