MedPath

Investigation of a Behavioral Substitute for Sunbathing

Phase 1
Completed
Conditions
Melanoma (Skin)
Skin Cancer
Interventions
Behavioral: Intervention
Registration Number
NCT00403377
Lead Sponsor
University of Massachusetts, Worcester
Brief Summary

RATIONALE: Understanding why sunbathers use or don't use sunless tanning products may help doctors plan effective ways to prevent skin cancer caused by sunbathing.

PURPOSE: This phase I/II trial is studying attitudes about the use of sunless tanning products and how well sunless tanning products work as a substitute for sunbathing in healthy participants.

Detailed Description

OBJECTIVES:

Primary

* Determine participants' attitudes regarding the benefits and barriers to using sunless tanning products after having sampled them. (Phase I)

* Determine participants' opinions, suggestions, and preferences regarding use of sunless tanning products. (Phase I)

* Determine the validity and reliability of the Sunless Tanning Attitudes Survey.

* Determine time spent sunbathing in random beach-goers. (Phase II)

Secondary

* Determine sunburn frequency in random beach-goers. (Phase II)

* Determine the use of a sunless tanner in these participants. (Phase II)

* Determine sun protection use in these participants. (Phase II)

* Determine perceptions of sun protection, susceptibility to photoaging, benefits of sunbathing, and severity of photoaging. (Phase II)

OUTLINE: This is an open-label phase I study followed by a pilot, randomized, controlled phase II study.

* Phase I (focus group): Participants complete the Sunless Tanning Attitudes (STA) survey, Sun Behavior (SB) survey, and the Decisional Balance for Sun Exposure and Sun Protection Questionnaire. Participants who have used a sunless tanner in the past also complete the Sunless Tanner Users (STU) survey. Participants receive sunless tanning lotion and instructions for its use. Participants are instructed to use the sunless tanner for 2 weeks (≥ 3 applications). Participants then complete the STA, SB, and STU surveys and participate in a focus group.

* Phase II:Participants are stratified by beach location and randomized to 1 of 2 intervention arms.

* Arm I: Participants complete surveys as in phase I. Photographs are taken of the participants and they then receive sunscreen lotion and sunless tanning lotion and instructions and benefits for using both. Participants also receive an educational pamphlet regarding skin cancer.

* Arm II: Participants complete surveys as in phase I. A souvenir photograph is taken of the participants and they then receive product samples that are irrelevant to skin cancer risk reduction (e.g., skin moisturizer, hair gel, chewing gum). Participants also receive educational materials at the completion of the study.

In both arms, participants complete surveys again at 2 and 12 months.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 330 participants will be accrued for this study.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
307
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
InterventionInterventionPhase II include two arms. In the intervention arm, photographs are taken of the participants and they then receive sunscreen lotion and sunless tanning lotion and instructions and benefits for using both. Participants also receive an educational pamphlet regarding skin cancer.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Phase 1 PO: Attitudes regarding the benefits and barriers to using sunless tanning products after having sampled themBaseline and Focus Group

The goal of the initial developmental phase of the present study is to determine the acceptability of sunless tanning as a substitute for sunbathing. Using focus groups comprised of sunbathers given the opportunity to sample sunless tanning products, we will identify perceived barriers and benefits of sunless tanning products, develop motivational messages encouraging the use of sunless tanning products, and preview intervention materials.

Phase II PO: Effectiveness of a beach-based pilot intervention (sun exposure at 2-, and 12- months follow-up)Baseline, 2-, and 12-months

The intervention will include sun damage imaging, sun safety and sunless tanning education/instruction, and the provision of samples of both sunscreen and sunless tanning products. Feasibility of the intervention, measures, and follow-up procedures will be assessed. The primary outcome for effectiveness will be sun exposure at 2-, and 12- months follow-up and a questionnaire only control group will be employed for comparison.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Phase 1 SO: The second goal of the initial developmental phase will be to develop psychometrically sound measures of sunless tanner attitudesBaseline and Focus Group

To achieve this aim, psychometric analyses including inter-item analyses, autocorrelations, internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity will be conducted, and survey items will be added/revised (if necessary) based on content of focus group discussions.

Phase II SO: Sunburn frequency in random beach goers at 2 and 12 monthsBaseline, 2-, and 12-months

The intervention will include sun damage imaging, sun safety and sunless tanning education/instruction, and the provision of samples of both sunscreen and sunless tanning products. Feasibility of the intervention, measures, and follow-up procedures will be assessed. Secondary outcomes will include frequency of sunburns, use of sunless tanning products, sun protection behavior, and perceived benefits/barriers to sunbathing/sun protection.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Massachusetts Medical School

🇺🇸

Worcester, Massachusetts, United States

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