Beliefs, attitudes and perceptions to sun-tanning behaviour in the Norwegian population: a cross-sectional study using the health belief model

Abstract

Background Norway has one of the highest incidences of melanoma in the world. It has been suggested that the majority of all skin cancers could be prevented by changes related to sun-tanning behaviour. This study explores the sun-tanning behaviour of the Norwegian population using a modified Health Belief Model (HBM). Increased knowledge about beliefs, attitudes and sun-tanning behaviour can provide information which may be useful for future sun protection interventions. Methods In 2017, 1004 members of the Norwegian population completed cross-sectional online surveys. People who seek the sun for tanning purposes was the eligibility criterion for this study, reducing the study population to 569. With the aid of the constructs from the HBM, predictive factors explaining sun-tanning behaviour were determined using multivariate linear regression adjusted for demographics (gender, age, education and income). Furthermore, the predictor variables, empowerment and benefits of tanning, were added to the model. Results Five of the constructs in the modified HBM showed significant correlation with sun-tanning behaviour using bivariate analysis. The strongest correlation was perceived barriers of sun protection (0.42), with the next strongest being the benefits of tanning (0.30). The modified model explained 31% of the variation in sun-tanning behaviour using multivariate analysis. Significant predictors from the HBM to sun-tanning behaviour were perceived barriers to sun protection (Beta = 0.36, p < 0.001) and the severity of melanoma (Beta = − 0.20, p < 0.001). In addition, empowerment (Beta = 0.05, p = 0.05) and the benefits of tanning (Beta = 0.28, p < 0.001) proved to be variables with significant effect on sun-tanning behaviour. The demographic factors age, education and income were also associated with sun-tanning behaviour ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, several factors in the modified HBM had a significant impact on Norwegians’ sun-tanning behaviour. The results indicate that future sun protection interventions should focus on reducing barriers in relation to sun protection behaviour, as well as emphasizing the severity of adverse tanning behaviour and melanoma. Efforts to alter the perceptions of the beneficial factors of tanning behaviour can also be appropriate in health promotion campaigns and interventions. Finally, implementing empowerment strategies could have a positive effect on promoting healthy sun-tanning behaviour. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6503-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Understanding the Health Behavior Decision-Making Process with Situational Theory of Problem Solving in Online Health Communities: The Effects of Health Beliefs, Message Credibility, and Communication Behaviors on Health Behavioral Intention

“…In addition, a large number of researchers have shown that HBM is effective in describing breast self-examination, vaccinations, exercise, physical activity, smoking, seat belt use, gestational diabetes mellitus, and other health-related behaviors [ 11 , 43 ]. Furthermore, earlier research has stated that health beliefs have positive correlations with communication behaviors.…”

“…This particular area of interest has become the focus of extensive research in the contemporary eras [ 8 , 9 ]. Earlier research has shown that the health beliefs of people are important in relation to persuading people to alter any unsuitable behaviors and move onto healthier habits [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Certain researchers showed that perceptions a person had about health (including perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, and perceived self-efficacy) are able to forecast their beliefs and future decisions related to health behaviors [ 10 , 13 ].…”

Exogenous sex hormones, menstrual and reproductive history, and risk of non-melanoma skin cancer among women: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

“…This appears reasonable as the prevalence of sunbathing and indoor tanning is socially determined and affected by gendered norms and expectations which can evolve rapidly (in addition to vary broadly geographically and across generations). In support to this view, several surveys conducted in recent years have shown how girls and young women tend to expose themselves to UV radiation more than males, despite being more aware of risks and making greater use of sunscreens 29 – 34 . In addition to UV exposure during leisure activities, the prevalence of occupational sunlight exposure is also largely socially determined and, therefore, likely to differ between genders and contribute to the changing NMSC incidence 35 .…”

A Belief-Based Parenting Behavior Model for Promoting Family's Ability to Care for Children with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (Arfid) in Indonesia

“…He/she adopts health behavior when they feel that health behavior benefits are more favorable than the bother of adopting protective behaviour. 20 Motivation for protection results from perceived threats and the urge to avoid potential negative outcomes.…”