Spontaneous Diffusion of an Effective Skin Cancer Prevention Program Through Web-Based Access to Program Materials

Details

• Journal Article:
  Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD)
• Personal Author:
  Hall, Dawn M. ; Escoffery, Cam ; Nehl, Eric ; Glanz, Karen
• Description:
  Introduction
  
  Little information exists about the diffusion of evidence-based interventions, a process that can occur naturally in organized networks with established communication channels. This article describes the diffusion of an effective skin cancer prevention program called Pool Cool through available Web-based program materials.
  
  Methods
  
  We used self-administered surveys to collect information from program users about access to and use of Web-based program materials. We analyzed the content of e-mails sent to the official Pool Cool Web site to obtain qualitative information about spontaneous diffusion.
  
  Results
  
  Program users were dispersed throughout the United States, most often learning about the program through a Web site (32%), publication (26%), or colleague (19%). Most respondents (86%) reported that their pool provided educational activities at swimming lessons. The Leader's Guide (59%) and lesson cards (50%) were the most commonly downloaded materials, and most respondents reported using these core items sometimes, often, or always. Aluminum sun-safety signs were the least frequently used materials. A limited budget was the most commonly noted obstacle to sun-safety efforts at the pool (85%). Factors supporting sun safety at the pool centered around risk management (85%) and health of the pool staff (78%).
  
  Conclusion
  
  Diffusion promotes the use of evidence-based health programs and can occur with and without systematic efforts. Strategies such as providing well-packaged, user-friendly program materials at low or no cost and strategic advertisement of the availability of program materials may increase program use and exposure. Furthermore, highlighting the benefits of the program can motivate potential program users.
  
  
• Subjects:
  Health Promotion Humans Internet Original Research Skin Neoplasms Sunburn Swimming Pools Ultraviolet Rays
• Source:
  Prev Chronic Dis. 7(6).
• ISSN:
  1545-1151
• Document Type:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  United States
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  7
• Issue:
  6
• Collection(s):
  Preventing Chronic Disease
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:acbd99cb7690518fee02042bf16cb18b2f3ab518e4dc078b7501a6c201a0f8142346a4b0c64b61270fe65ad2ae3f092623c203064f8ee15a0869a27b9f0ddeeb
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/4181/cdc_4181_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 536.74 KB ]