Beliefs and intentions for skin protection and UV exposure in young adults.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate Fishbein's integrative model in predicting young adults' skin protection, sun exposure, and indoor tanning intentions.

METHODS

Two hundred twelve participants completed an online survey.

RESULTS

Damage distress, self-efficacy, and perceived control accounted for 34% of the variance in skin protection intentions. Outcome beliefs and low self-efficacy for sun avoidance accounted for 25% of the variance in sun exposure intentions. Perceived damage, outcome evaluation, norms, and indoor tanning prototype accounted for 32% of the variance in indoor tanning intentions.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should investigate whether these variables predict exposure and protection behaviors and whether intervening can reduce young adults' skin cancer risk behaviors.