Health Education and Health Promotion

en Students' Behaviors in Using Sunscreen Based on the Health Belief Model <a name=_Hlk109542490></a><a name=_Hlk183334315>Aims:</a> Given that the skin is the body’s largest organ, it is not surprising that skin cancer is considered the most prevalent type of cancer among humans. This study aimed to investigate the behavior of students at Khomein University of Medical Sciences regarding the use of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer based on the health belief model. Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with students of Khomein University of Medical Sciences in Markazi Province in central Iran from February to January 2024. Given the small student population, a census sampling method was used, resulting in the participation of 353 students. The research tool comprised a demographic information questionnaire, along with a researcher-made questionnaire on the use of sunscreen in skin cancer prevention based on the health belief model. Data analysis was performed using STATA 17 software, employing descriptive statistics and simple and multiple linear regression analyses, with a significance level set at α=0.05. <a name=_Hlk191472683>Findings:</a> A one-unit increase in the scores of perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and perceived self-efficacy led to increases of 0.13 (95% CI=0.05, 0.26; p=0.041), 0.10 (95% CI=0.02, 0.17; p=0.007), 0.14 (95% CI=0.07, 0.22; p≤0.001), and 0.18 (95% CI=0.07, 0.29; p=0.001) in the mean behavioral score. Conclusion: Gender, socioeconomic status, parental occupation, and level of education are associated with the adoption of sunscreen use behavior and perceived benefits, cues to action, and self-efficacy are strong predictors of sunscreen use. Sunscreening Agents,Behavior,Students,Self-Efficacy,Health Belief Model, 587 594 http://hehp.modares.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-91334-1&slc_lang=en&sid=4