Research to Reality: Applying Findings to Practice

Abstract

The increasing rate of skin cancer in the United States and the finding of a marked decrease in the use of sun protection in the adolescent population require the development of effective intervention strategies. This study proposed to determine if a community-wide intervention with several components could change the downward trend in sun protection that occurs in early adolescence. The study involved 10 communities located in New Hampshire and Vermont, matched into five pairs based on their school and community characteristics. Additional criteria included not participating in a previous SunSafe study, the middle school had grades 6 through 8 in one building, and the community had to have at least one primary care provider and a freshwater beach or town swimming pool. The communities were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The initial observations of the sun protection behaviors of early adolescents (entering 6th–8th grades) were completed over the course of one summer. Community intervention strategies were implemented during the 3 years following the initial observations and subsequent observations for three summers. Multiple sun protection messages were distributed through a variety of channels in the schools and communities. Thirty-minute sessions to provide information about sun protection rates of adolescents and the risks of skin cancer were presented by project staff to clinicians, school personnel, pool and beach staff, and athletic coaches. The school principals selected volunteer liaisons, most frequently school nurses or health education teachers. Teachers were offered curricular activities that could be incorporated into the curriculum. Physical education teachers provided a 45-minute related activity for all students during the second and third years of the study. Peer education teams composed of 8th through 12th grade students worked with the middle school students and the teachers. A variety of community involve-