Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Commons^™

Educating And Improving Collegiate Athlete Sunscreen Use, Julia Pederson

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Introduction: The purpose of this evidence-based practice Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to prospectively evaluate the ability to alter the behavior of young adults by providing sunscreen education and thereby reduce their risk of skin cancer from sun exposure. Twenty-three collegiate athletes ages 18 to 21 years old who were on the university softball team were enrolled. These student athletes were then educated about the impact of daily sun protection and risk factors. The goal was to observe an increase in sunscreen use and increase sun exposure awareness.

Background: Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in …