Sun protection motivational stages and behavior: skin cancer risk profiles.

OBJECTIVE

To create skin cancer risk profiles that could be used to predict sun protection among Midwest beachgoers.

METHOD: Cluster analysis was used with study participants (N=239), who provided information about sun protection motivation and behavior, perceived risk, burn potential, and tan importance. Participants were clustered according to their risk profiles; 4 distinct risk profiles emerged.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed that risk profiles were significantly different on sun protection motivation and behavior and marginally different in terms of sun tanning behavior.

CONCLUSION

Given the complexity of risk factors, an examination of clusters, rather than factors in isolation, may more accurately depict sun protection behavior.