Beyond Belief: The Role of Health Anxiety and the Health Belief Model in UV Risk Exposure Among Australian Adults

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is a significant public health concern. Current interventions often draw upon the Health Belief Model (HBM) to promote sun-safe behaviours; however, there is still unexplained variance in health risk behaviours. This study investigated the incremental predictive utility of health anxiety in explaining variance in UV risk exposure beyond the HBM in Australian adults. We hypothesised that health anxiety would account for a statistically significant portion of variance beyond the HBM.

A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was employed with 201 Australian adults (Mage = 25.86, SD = 11.45; 79% female). Participants completed an online survey including a demographic questionnaire, a Health Belief Model Questionnaire, the Health Anxiety Inventory, and the Sun Exposure Protection Index. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used.

Results indicated that age, entered in Block 1, accounted for a significant 10.9% (p < .001) of variance in UV risk exposure. HBM constructs, entered in Block 2, accounted for an additional significant 23.7% (p < .001). However, health anxiety, added in Block 3, accounted for a non-significant 1.0% of additional variance (p = .096). The total model, with a large effect size (f² = .555), accounted for 35.7% (p < .001) of variance.

This suggests that while age and HBM constructs are significant predictors of UV risk exposure, health anxiety does not account for additional variance. Public health campaigns focusing on HBM components may remain central, with further research needed to explore other psychological factors influencing UV risk.