Systematic development of a behavioural intervention to promote sun safe behaviours
Angela Rodrigues (Fuse)
14.30, Tuesday 9 July. The Clubhouse, level 4
Background
Intermittent UV-exposure is a risk factor for melanoma. To date, no effective and affordable strategies to promote sun-protective behaviours are available. This study aims to evaluate an evidence-based mobile-phone application (mISkin) supporting holidaymakers in reducing excessive UV-exposure.
Methods
The development of mISkin was informed by a systematic review of RCTs, resulting in a set of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and delivery methods associated with effectiveness of sun safe interventions. A user-engagement study with 17 users based on prototypes and scenarios was used to optimise acceptability. A 2 (mISkin vs. control) x 2 (SPF15 vs.SPF30) RCT with internal pilot is currently being conducted to test feasibility, acceptability and ultimately the effectiveness of mISkin. Trial outcomes are mitochondrial DNA skin-damage, sunscreen use (sunscreen bottles with built-in accelerometers) and self-reported sun-protection practices. Participants are holidaymakers travelling for up to two weeks to sunny destinations that own an Android smartphone.
Results
Informed by the review, the main BCTs of the mISkin app are: providing general info about consequences, instructions for/demonstration of effective sun-protective behaviours, UV photos of skin damage and prompts. All 17 participants from user-engagement study were satisfied with the mISkin prototype and expressed willingness to use it. Minor changes were introduced to optimise acceptability (e.g. customisable prompts, shortened videos). Acceptability and feasibility data from the pilot study will be presented.
Conclusions
The mISkin app is the first mobile-phone app designed to protect holidaymakers from excess UV-exposure based on current evidence and user-centred design principles.
Intermittent UV-exposure is a risk factor for melanoma. To date, no effective and affordable strategies to promote sun-protective behaviours are available. This study aims to evaluate an evidence-based mobile-phone application (mISkin) supporting holidaymakers in reducing excessive UV-exposure.
Methods
The development of mISkin was informed by a systematic review of RCTs, resulting in a set of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and delivery methods associated with effectiveness of sun safe interventions. A user-engagement study with 17 users based on prototypes and scenarios was used to optimise acceptability. A 2 (mISkin vs. control) x 2 (SPF15 vs.SPF30) RCT with internal pilot is currently being conducted to test feasibility, acceptability and ultimately the effectiveness of mISkin. Trial outcomes are mitochondrial DNA skin-damage, sunscreen use (sunscreen bottles with built-in accelerometers) and self-reported sun-protection practices. Participants are holidaymakers travelling for up to two weeks to sunny destinations that own an Android smartphone.
Results
Informed by the review, the main BCTs of the mISkin app are: providing general info about consequences, instructions for/demonstration of effective sun-protective behaviours, UV photos of skin damage and prompts. All 17 participants from user-engagement study were satisfied with the mISkin prototype and expressed willingness to use it. Minor changes were introduced to optimise acceptability (e.g. customisable prompts, shortened videos). Acceptability and feasibility data from the pilot study will be presented.
Conclusions
The mISkin app is the first mobile-phone app designed to protect holidaymakers from excess UV-exposure based on current evidence and user-centred design principles.