Backgound and Aim: Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in Yazd city. Childhood and adolescense is an important time for preventing the skin cancers. The aim of this study was to survey the role of appearance concern with skin cancer prevention behavior based on protection motivation theory.
Methods: Participants in this cross- sectional study were 360 female students from 4 high schools in Yazd city. Data were gathered by using self-reporting questionnaires and were analyzed using SPSS software applying ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression tests.
Results: Using Pearson's correlation test, a statistically significant correlation between the appearance concern with perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, protection motivation and behaviors was found (P<0.01). The perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self- efficacy, response efficacy, protection motivation, response costs and appearance concern could predict 0.56 of the behaviors and perceived susceptibility was the strongest predictor (β=0.120). Also, protection motivation could predict behavior (41 %).
Conclusion: Results of this study support the effectiveness of protection motivation theory variables and the role of appearance concern for prediction of skin cancer prevention behaviors in participants.