Mobile Sun Health Intervention EnabLing Daily Protection (mSHIELD)

mHealth tools provide an ideal opportunity for reducing young adults' UVR exposure. mSHIELD intervention components were selected to target key constructs (e.g., self-efficacy, barrier reduction) within Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) which are associated with sun protection behaviors. The initial concept for the mSHIELD intervention includes the following four components: real-time UVR alerts and feedback; UVR weather forecasts; text messages; and action planning. Although these components provide a good fit with SCT constructs and utilize evidence-based behavior change strategies, they have rarely been used in the context of mHealth for sun protection, and this will be the first mHealth intervention for sun protection to apply all four of these components simultaneously. Therefore, prior to testing mSHIELD in a large study, it will be important to refine components based on user preferences and pilot tests.

To test the pilot intervention, participants will complete a 4-week intervention with all intervention components delivered through the study application. Intervention components will include: text messages, sun protection education modules, an action planning module, and UVR/weather information. The modules/components are used for the entire 4-week intervention period. Immediately following the 4-week intervention, participants will be asked to complete a post-intervention survey and study interview. Participants will also be asked to complete a survey one month post-intervention. Participants will receive up to 5 reminders to complete each study activity through each of their approved communication methods (e.g., email).

Data collected at the one-month post-intervention surveys will be analyzed and compared to baseline values. For this study, the criteria for a clinically significant impact will be that a participant reports no sunburns and now frequently uses sunscreen and at least one other sun protection method during outdoor time; a priori, a benchmark of at least 50% of participants reaching this criteria is set to indicate whether the intervention can proceed to larger-scale testing or if further refinements are needed.