Sunscreen Dispenser Education for Skin Cancer Prevention

Overseen By Jessica Davine, MPH, MSW

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)

Disqualifiers: Not local youth, Non-English speaker

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

1200 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I have to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely that you would need to stop, as the study focuses on sunscreen use and education.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment DFS+ for skin cancer prevention?

Education programs, which are a key part of skin cancer prevention strategies, have been shown to be effective in improving sun protection habits. This suggests that educational components, like those in the DFS+ treatment, can help in preventing skin cancer. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the sunscreen dispenser safe for human use?

Sunscreens, which are used in the dispensers, are generally safe for human use and rarely cause allergic reactions. Regular use does not significantly affect vitamin D levels and can reduce the risk of certain skin cancers. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the sunscreen dispenser education treatment differ from other skin cancer prevention methods?

The sunscreen dispenser education treatment is unique because it focuses on educating individuals about proper sunscreen application using dispensing devices, which can impact the amount of sunscreen applied. This approach addresses the common issue of underdosing sunscreen, unlike other methods that may not emphasize the importance of correct application techniques. ^{6 10 11 12 13}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will evaluate the use of publicly available free sunscreen dispensers at Maine beaches and Boston and Cambridge parks. Aim 1: Determine the impact of DFS+ (dispensers, flyers, enhanced signage, + a social media component delivered by teen ambassadors) sun protection education on the use of free sunscreen dispensers by adolescents ages 12-20 compared with DFS (dispensers, flyers, standard signage). Aim 2: Outcomes evaluation to assess the effects of the sunscreen dispensers and the sun-safety educational intervention on sun protection knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors within the community. Aim 3: Cost Evaluation and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Research Team

Alan Geller, MPH, RN

Principal Investigator

Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Boston or Maine youths aged 12-18 who can complete a survey in English. It's not open to those outside this age group, non-residents of these areas, or individuals unable to understand and fill out an English-language survey.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to complete a survey in English

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot complete a survey in English.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Implementation of DFS+ and DFS interventions at parks and beaches, including installation and maintenance of sunscreen dispensers, distribution of flyers, and social media engagement by teen ambassadors

1 week

Continuous observation at parks and beaches

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sun protection practices and dispenser utilization through surveys and observations

1 day

Treatment Details

Interventions

• DFS+

Trial Overview The study tests if adding flyers, enhanced signage, and social media outreach by teen ambassadors increases the use of free sunscreen dispensers at beaches and parks among teenagers compared to just having dispensers with standard information.

Participant Groups

Group I: Dispensers, Flyers, Enhanced Signage + a social media component delivered by teen ambassadors Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The DFS+ experimental group is designed to increase utilization of free sunscreen dispensers, applying and reapplying sunscreen, and motivating use of other forms of sun protection by teens in 8 Boston parks and 2 Maine beaches. IMPACT Melanoma will install and maintain free sunscreen dispensers at the study sites. Flyers will be posted at locations at the park/beach to inform people of the availability of free sunscreen and the location of the dispenser. 'Teen enhanced' signage will be present on the dispenser in the intervention parks/beaches. Teen ambassadors will share 3-5 posts to their social media platform over the course of 1 week encouraging sun protection practices and use of the free sunscreen dispenser (when the intervention is occurring at the study site).

Group II: Dispensers, Flyers, Signage Active Control 1 Intervention

The DFS control group includes dispensers, flyers, and standard signage at 8 Boston parks and 2 Maine beaches. IMPACT Melanoma will install and maintain free sunscreen dispensers at the study sites. Flyers will be posted at locations at the park/beach to inform people of the availability of free sunscreen and the location of the dispenser. Standard signage will be present on the dispenser in the control parks/beaches.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)

Lead Sponsor

Trials

283

Recruited

17,030,000+

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Collaborator

Trials

902

Recruited

25,020,000+

IMPACT Melanoma

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,200+

Klein Buendel

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

1,200+

Findings from Research

A skin cancer education program designed by medical students effectively increased awareness among high school students about the risks of sun exposure, particularly for all skin types, with 88% of participants planning to make actionable behavioral changes after the session.

The program successfully adapted to COVID-19 challenges and highlighted the importance of inclusive educational materials in promoting sun-safe behaviors to prevent skin cancer in youth.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating How a School-Based Skin Cancer Prevention Program Can Change Behavior Among North Carolina Highschoolers. Friday, S., Salisbury, K., Snyder, S., et al.[2023]

A new patient counseling approach for sun protection was developed specifically for outdoor workers diagnosed with skin conditions related to UV exposure, based on qualitative interviews and expert reviews.

The counseling program includes customizable modules that address individual patient needs, emphasizing interactive and educational components to improve sun protection behaviors among outdoor workers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Secondary prevention of UV-induced skin cancer: development and pilot testing of an educational patient counseling approach for individual sun protection as standard procedure of patient care. Ludewig, M., Rocholl, M., John, SM., et al.[2022]

References

1. Spain pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current State of Skin Cancer Prevention: A Systematic Review. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of the basic skin cancer triage curriculum on provider's skin cancer control practices. [2019]

3. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a patient decision aid for patients with superficial basal cell carcinoma: A pre- and post-implementation study. [2023]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Incongruence between Physician, Patient, and Medical Chart Report of Skin Cancer Prevention Counseling. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomized intervention study of sun protection promotion in well-child care. [2007]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Role of Dispensing Device and Label Warnings on Dosing for Sunscreen Application: A Randomized Trial. [2021]

7. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sunscreens: safety, efficacy and appropriate use. [2018]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Text-message reminders to improve sunscreen use: a randomized, controlled trial using electronic monitoring. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Skin protection by sunscreens is improved by explicit labeling and providing free sunscreen. [2008]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating How a School-Based Skin Cancer Prevention Program Can Change Behavior Among North Carolina Highschoolers. [2023]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The SunWise Policy intervention for school-based sun protection: a pilot study. [2008]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pediatric sun exposure. [2022]

13. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Secondary prevention of UV-induced skin cancer: development and pilot testing of an educational patient counseling approach for individual sun protection as standard procedure of patient care. [2022]