The Effects of Using the Sun Safe App on Sun Health Knowledge and Behaviors of Young Teenagers: Results of Pilot Intervention Studies

A balanced approach toward sun exposure and protection is needed by young people. Excessive sun exposure increases their risk for skin cancers such as melanoma, whereas some exposure is necessary for vitamin D and healthy bones. We have developed a new iOS smartphone app-Sun Safe-through a co-design process, which aims to support healthy and balanced decision-making by young teenagers (aged 12-13 years).

Citation:
Clare IM, Gamage N, Alvares GA, Black LJ, Francis J, Jaimangal M, Lucas RM, Strickland M, White J, Nguyen R, Gorman S. The Effects of Using the Sun Safe App on Sun Health Knowledge and Behaviors of Young Teenagers: Results of Pilot Intervention Studies. JMIR Dermatol. 2022;5(1).

Keywords:
App development; co-design; knowledge gain; mobile phone; sun behaviors; sun exposure; sun protection; teenagers; UV Index; vitamin D; young adolescents

Abstract:
A balanced approach toward sun exposure and protection is needed by young people. Excessive sun exposure increases their risk for skin cancers such as melanoma, whereas some exposure is necessary for vitamin D and healthy bones. We have developed a new iOS smartphone app-Sun Safe-through a co-design process, which aims to support healthy and balanced decision-making by young teenagers (aged 12-13 years).