Implications of a utility model for ultraviolet exposure behavior - 02/09/11
Abstract |
Over the past several decades, the incidence of skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions. Despite numerous efforts to increase public awareness of the risks associated with solar radiation, people continue to sunbathe, use indoor tanning facilities, avoid photoprotective clothing, and fail to use sunscreen. We propose using an economic model, the utility model, to better understand how to reduce tanning behaviors. This model has been widely applied in financial decision-making as well as in analysis of risk-taking behaviors such as smoking. The model takes into account both the current perceived benefits of tanning and the future long-term risks. People tend to discount the future; they tend to weigh current benefits more heavily than future risks. As predicted by the model, past prevention efforts that have focused on long-term benefits gained by sun-protective behavior have been largely ineffective. In the current social environment, we cannot expect tanning reduction measures based solely on health education to be very effective. Only by changing public perceptions of a tan will efforts to decrease ultraviolet exposure behavior likely be successful. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:718-22.)
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Center for Dermatology Research is a health services research center at Wake Forest University funded by a grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Dermatology. |
Vol 45 - N° 5
P. 718-722 - novembre 2001 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?