The Effect of Sun Knowledge and Self-Efficacy on Sun Protection Behavior in Skin Cancer Among Young People

Purpose: The aim of this study is to reveal the impact of skin cancer and sun knowledge on sun protection behavior in young people. In addition, identifying predictors influencing sun protection behaviors in young people is also aimed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 424 young people in Turkey. Data were collected using Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale for Sun Protection, and Sun Protection Behavior Scale. The independent samples t-test was used to determine differences between the mean scores of sociodemographic characteristics, Bonferroni-corrected one-way ANOVA was used to determine differences among three or more groups, and the relationship between scale score means was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Factors influencing sun protection behavior were identified using multiple linear regression. Results: Of the young people, 43.4% use sunscreen continuously throughout the year, 10.10% go to solarium, and 25.7% perform self-examinations of their skin. In youth, high sun protection self-efficacy (β = 0.486), being female (β = 0.077), regular use of sunscreen throughout the year (β = 0.464), and avoiding tanning beds (β = 0.075) positively influence sun protection behavior scores. Spending more than 6 hours in the sun during the summer months (β= -0.118) negatively affects sun protection behavior. Conclusion: The level of skin cancer sun knowledge, sun protection self-efficacy, and sun protection behaviors of young people are moderate and there is a positive correlation among them. The study's findings indicate the necessity to increase awareness of skin cancer risk factors among young people and initiate effective interventions to promote sun protection behaviors.