The objective of this study was toidentify and appraise available sun protection self-efficacy instruments and synthesize information.
Data source
A systematic search of electronic databases from 2005 to 2023 included PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO.
Background
While instruments have been developed to evaluate sun-protective behaviors and self-efficacy separately, sun-protection self-efficacy instruments have yet to be widely studied. Self-efficacy is an essential antecedent to performing health-related behaviors or practices that can promote or hinder the health of individuals and groups.
Study inclusion and exclusion criteria
Studies randomized control trials or descriptive studies that used self-efficacy measurement tools to evaluate behaviors, intentions, and sun protection knowledge were included in this review. Sun protection surveys that targeted providers or parents and non-English articles were excluded.
Data extraction
Data were extracted by one independent researcher.
Data synthesis
Fifteen studies met the inclusion criterion and included 10 scales of self-efficacy in sun protection. Study design and purpose, and the instrument’s validity and reliability statistics, including Cronbach’s alphas, were extracted.
Results
The two-factor self-efficacy in sun protection scale was the most common measure for primary prevention, with acceptable reliability and validity. However, other instruments also showed reliable psychometric properties, especially measures of sunscreen self-efficacy.
Conclusion
More research in self-efficacy measurement is warranted to examine specific populations and determine the appropriate constructs of self-efficacy. It is crucial to design evidence-based interventions that affect self-efficacy, are measured by a reliable, valid instrument, and have the potential to increase sun-protective and screening behaviors.