Randomized trial testing a worksite sun protection program in an outdoor recreation industry

David B. Buller, Peter A. Andersen, Barbara J. Walkosz, Michael D. Scott, Gary R. Cutter, Mark B. Dignan, Elizabeth M. Zarlengo, Jenifer H. Voeks, Aimee J. Giese

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

75 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Health communication campaigns intended to reduce chronic and severe exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight and prevent skin cancer are a national priority. Outdoor workers represent an unaddressed, high-risk population. Go Sun Smart (GSS), a worksite sun safety program largely based on the diffusion-of-innovations theory, was evaluated in a pair-matched, group-randomized, pretest-posttest controlled design enrolling employees at 26 ski areas in Western North America. Employees at the intervention ski areas were more aware of GSS (odds ratio [OR] = 8.27, p < .05) and reported less sunburning (adjusted OR = 1.63, p < .05) at posttest than employees at the control areas. A dose response was evident (OR = 1.46, p < .05) with greater observed program implementation associated with fewer sunburns among employees. Program awareness per se was not predictive (p > .05) of reduced sunburning in a mediational analysis. Analyses of nonrespondents, including intent-to-treat analyses, further supported the success of GSS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)514-535
Number of pages22
JournalHealth Education and Behavior
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2005

Keywords

  • Prevention
  • Skin cancer
  • Worksites

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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