“I don’t mind being ugly but I don’t wanna have skin cancer”: A qualitative study of attitudes to UV exposure and a facial morphing intervention in men 35 years and older

Abstract

Objectives: Skin cancer is a growing problem globally. Older men have been largely ignored in previous research, even though men may generally be prone to riskier exposure to the sun than women. Past research suggests that appearance-focused techniques such as facial morphing can increase motivations to use sun protection among women of all ages, and younger men. Design: was qualitative, consisting of individual interviews. Method: was semi-structured interviews with 25 older men, to examine attitudes to UV exposure and reactions to a facial morphing intervention. Interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were constructed: masculine UV exposure; appearance that's accepted; personal responsibility. The men did not identify gaps in their sun protection behaviour, and demonstrated a lack of concern about ageing and appearance. These attitudes translated into a lack of motivation for behaviour change due to ageing acceptance. However, motivation to change behaviour came from health concerns resulting from the intervention. Conclusions: The men experienced different motivations and barriers for sun protection use than women of similar ages. Facial morphing can be effective with older men, but may need to be reframed to focus on health implications and personal choice.

Tailored visuals, implementation interventions, and sun safe behavior: A longitudinal message experiment.

“…It is puzzling that tailored UV imagery increased fear but not threat susceptibility. Theory and past research have both suggested a relationship between fear and susceptibility, and prior meta-analyses have found that personalized UV images increased susceptibility (Persson et al, 2019; Williams et al, 2013). It is important to note that the meta-analysis found a relationship for susceptibility to photoaging rather than skin cancer.…”

“…Past research has found that inclined abstainers can be moved to action through a strategy referred to as implementation intentions. In an implementation intentions intervention, participants write down what sun protective behaviors they intend to perform, when and where they will perform them, and action steps needed to help them successfully implement the behavior (see also, Persson, Grogan, et al, 2018, 2019).…”

“…Message experiments that compare tailored messages with other interactive interventions are a priority (Jensen et al, 2014). For example, implementation intention interventions could be an ideal comparison as participants write down what behaviors they intend to perform, when and where they will perform them, and action steps needed to help them successfully implement the behavior (see also, Persson, Grogan, et al, 2018, 2019).…”

A qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation of the experiences of men diagnosed with chronic lymphoedema

“…This reflects the notion of personhood in which there is ‘a moral and ethical category, tied to the concepts of autonomy, agency and self-determination’ (Sofronas et al, 2018: 407) . This is caused by their perceived loss, but also the uncertainty of their role in future (Gentili et al, 2019; Persson et al, 2019). Gender-based delivery of services has been suggested as a means to remedy some of the aspects mentioned, whilst acknowledging men are one homogenous group (Robertson and Baker, 2017).…”