22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Sun Protection Behaviors and Attitudes for Students Attending a Rural Northeast Missouri University
Laura B. Gundy*, Lara K. McKay, Laura R. Pearson, Chris A. Sumski, and Molly E. Winkleman
Dr. Janice Clark Young, Faculty Mentor
Many college students seek a tan by indoor or sun tanning, but may not know the consequences and the risks of developing skin cancer. In the U.S., skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, yet it is the most preventable type. The purpose of this study was to assess Truman State University students knowledge of the risk factors for skin cancer and to analyze their sun protection behaviors. A 21-item survey was developed, and approval to conduct the study was granted from Truman's IRB committee. The survey was administered to a convenience sample of Truman students in classes and to organizations. Knowledge and behaviors were evaluated using SPSS to determine correlations between sex, class standing, and organizational membership. This information will be used to create future campus programming to target at-risk groups.
Keywords: tanning, sun protection
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 57-3
Location: VH 1320
Time: 3:15