Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5R01CA077280-02 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Mayer, Joni |
Organization: |
San Diego State University |
Project Title: |
Promoting Sunscreen at the Point of Purchase |
Fiscal Year: |
2000 |
Abstract
The incidence rates of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers have
been increasing in the U.S. For skin cancer prevention, strategies to
reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation have been recommended,
including use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of greater
than or equal to 15. The results of a community-based, controlled pilot
study conducted by the investigators indicated that a drugstore point-
of-purchase intervention significantly increased the proportion of
sunscreens with SPF 15 and higher that was purchased (relative to all
sun-related products). Intervention consisted of colorful shelf tags
with targeted messages in five sections of the store promoting sunscreen
SPF 15+ use. The primary goals of the proposed 2-year project are to
evaluate the intervention on a larger scale in multiple communities in
Southern California, and extend the pilot study design to 1) add the
outcome measure of total sales, 2) assess the intervention's effects in
winter, as well as in summer, and 3) assess process variables. To
achieve these goals, a randomized, 2-group design will be used with the
following conditions: Group 1: control (measurement only) and Group 2;
shelf tags in sun product section plus other sections (e.g., baby
products, outdoor products such as bug repellant, and over-the-counter
products causing photosensitivity such as topical acne medications).
The primary dependent variable will be the proportion of SPF greater
than or equal to 15 products purchased (of all sun products). We
hypothesize that Group 2 will show a significantly higher proportion
than Group 1. The second dependent variable will be the total number
of units of sun products purchased. We hypothesize that Group 2 will
show significantly higher sales than Group 1, largely due to an increase
in SPF greater than or equal to 15 products purchased. In order to
compare the groups on each of the two outcome measures, 55 drugstores
per group will be included, for a total of 110 sites. These sites will
be selected from 3 chains. The design will be used in 2 discrete
studies, one in the winter and one in the summer. The shelf tags will
be tailored for the respective store sections and seasons, using results
from formative research. The outcome measures will be obtained from
computerized sales data from each chain. Process data will be collected
via exit interviews of drugstore customers.
Publications
None