Photoaging Mobile Apps in School-Based Melanoma Prevention: Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Public Health
• Mobile Health Interventions
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Melanoma is largely preventable, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure being the primary cause.
• Adolescent tanning behaviors often stem from perceived attractiveness, with long-term cancer risks underestimated.
• School-based interventions are crucial for melanoma prevention, yet mobile app-based approaches remain unevaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a mobile phone technology intervention for school-based melanoma prevention.
• To assess the preliminary success of a photoaging app in diverse student subgroups.
• To measure effects on UV protection behavior, Fitzpatrick skin type, and age.

Main Methods:

• A photoaging mobile app (Sunface) was implemented in two German secondary schools using a mirroring technique.
• Students' 3D selfies were projected and interacted with via a projector.
• Anonymous questionnaires measured perceptions of the intervention among 205 students (aged 13-19).

Main Results:

• Over 60% of students agreed the app motivated them to avoid tanning beds and increase sun protection.
• Only 12.5% disagreed with these motivational effects.
• The intervention showed increased effectiveness in participants with Fitzpatrick skin types 1-2 and correlated positively with age.

Conclusions:

• A novel school-based melanoma prevention strategy using photoaging mobile apps was developed.
• The intervention positively influences behavioral predictors, particularly in fair-skinned adolescents.
• Further research is needed to evaluate long-term effects across diverse cultural backgrounds.