University of Utah
The overall purpose of this proposal is to refine a mobile-health (mHealth) system to reduce excessive unprotected sun exposure among young adults. Participants will complete a 4-week intervention with all intervention components delivered through the mHealth application. Intervention components include Text Message Reminders, Sun Protection Education Modules, Action Planning Module, and UV Radiation (UVR) Weather Information.
mHealth tools provide an ideal opportunity for reducing young adults' UVR exposure. mSHIELD intervention components were selected to target key constructs (e.g., self-efficacy, barrier reduction) within Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) which are associated with sun protection behaviors. The initial concept for the mSHIELD intervention includes the following four components: real-time UVR alerts and feedback; UVR weather forecasts; text messages; and action planning. Although these components provide a good fit with SCT constructs and utilize evidence-based behavior change strategies, they have ra…
Inclusion Criteria: * Individual is at least 18 years old; AND * Individual reports having at least one sunburn in the last year; AND/OR * Individual reports using sunscreen plus one or more other sun protection behavior (protective clothing, shade, etc.) infrequently (i.e. never/seldom/sometimes) Exclusion Criteria: * Individual does not speak/read English; AND/OR * Individual reports a personal history of skin cancer
Participants will receive text message reminders twice a week. These messages will remind participants to use sunscreen or other forms of sun protection and will include brief facts about sun safety and environmental risks.
The education section consists of 5 modules on sun protection basics, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, skin health, sunscreen use, and tanning. Each module takes about 5 to 10 minutes to read.
The app will guide participants through creating a specific plan for using sun protection during a routine outdoor activity. Completing an action plan takes about 5 minutes. Participants will be asked to complete two action plans during the study and prompted to review these plans weekly.
The UVR Weather feature displays information similar to what is available in many weather apps, with a focus on the sunburn risk hours. The display also shows different levels of UV risk throughout the day and indicates the current UV risk based on real-time UV Index. Participants will receive a daily notification summarizing the UV information for that day.
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