Mediation of a middle school skin cancer prevention program

Health Psychol. 2006 Sep;25(5):616-25. doi: 10.1037/0278-6133.25.5.616.

Abstract

This study tested potential mediators of a school-based skin cancer prevention intervention for middle school children (6th-8th grades; N = 1,788). Ten variables were tested on 4 criteria to establish mediation, including (a) intervention related to outcome, (b) intervention related to mediators, (c) mediators related to outcome, and (d) mediated effect statistically significant. Sun-safe behaviors (e.g., sunscreen use) and potential mediators were measured with a self-report questionnaire. All criteria were met for Barriers--Sunscreen, Perceived Self-Efficacy, and Knowledge when the mediators were tested separately. In multiple mediator analyses, barriers to sunscreen use and self-efficacy satisfied Criteria 1-3 but were not statistically significant (Criterion 4). Barriers to sunscreen use, perceived self-efficacy for sun-safe behavior, and knowledge may serve as mediators.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • New Mexico
  • Preventive Health Services / organization & administration*
  • School Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Schools*
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Sunscreening Agents
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Sunscreening Agents