Face-to-face Sun Protection Training and Text Messages Improve Sun Protection Behaviour in Adolescent Organ Transplant Recipients: HIPPOlino Feasibility Study

Acta Derm Venereol. 2016 Mar;96(3):341-5. doi: 10.2340/00015555-2234.

Abstract

Adolescent organ transplant recipients have an increased risk of developing skin cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and acceptability of short messaging service-based sun protection recommendations for adolescent patients. Sun-protective knowledge and behaviour were also evaluated using standardized questionnaires and telephone interviews. Twenty-six organ transplant recipients aged 13-22 years participated in face-to-face sun protection training. Subsequently, participants received sun protection reminders via text messages for 4 weeks. Of the participants 95% reported that they checked text messages on a regular basis. Of the 26 organ transplant recipients 19 completed questionnaires before sun protection training and 4 weeks later; 16% (3/19) knew the meaning of the UV-index before training. After training, 74% (14/19) remembered that the term UV-index describes the maximum daily level of local UV radiation. Text message-based sun protection recommendations are well accepted and technically feasible in adolescent organ transplant recipients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Age Factors
  • Austria
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Organ Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Protective Factors
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Sunburn / etiology
  • Sunburn / prevention & control*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Text Messaging*
  • Time Factors
  • Transplant Recipients / psychology*
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents