NCT06439979 · University of Utah
Rural Adult and Youth Sun Protection Study
(RAYS)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to help prevent skin cancer by improving the use of sun protective behaviors among youths living in rural communities in Utah and West Virginia.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to help prevent skin cancer by improving the use of sun protective behaviors among youths living in rural communities in Utah and West Virginia.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
RAYS Intervention
Developmental baseball leagues will be randomly assigned to RAYS vs. control. Outcomes include directly-observed child sun safety behaviors after controlling for environmental ultra-violet radiation (UVR), with parent-reported child sun protection and other related endpoints at 1 year.
Primary outcome measures
Directly observed child sunscreen application
Time frame: At baseline and post-intervention (3-6 weeks after intervention has been delivered)
Teams and their players will be observed once at the beginning and once at the end of the baseball season. A trained research assistant will tally the total number of children who applied sunscreen at any time during the practice or game. This tallied number will create a percentage of the team that applied sunscreen. The percentages from the beginning and end of the season will be compared to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. "How many wearing sunscreen?" Higher percentages indicate higher proportion of players on the team who engaged in that sun protective behavior.
Directly observed child hat wearing
Time frame: At baseline and post-intervention (3-6 weeks after intervention has been delivered)
Teams and their players will be observed once at the beginning and once at the end of the baseball season. A trained research assistant will tally the total number of children who wore a hat at any time during the practice or game. This tallied number will create a percentage of the team that wore a hat. The percentages from the beginning and end of the season will be compared to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. "How many wore a hat?" Higher percentages indicate higher proportion of players on the team who engaged in that sun protective behavior.
Directly observed child wearing long sleeves
Time frame: At baseline and post-intervention (3-6 weeks after intervention has been delivered)
Teams and their players will be observed once at the beginning and once at the end of the baseball season. A trained research assistant will tally the total number of children who wore a long-sleeved shirt at any time during the practice or game. This tallied number will create a percentage of the team that wore protective long-sleeved shirts. The percentages from the beginning and end of the season will be compared to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. "How many wore long sleeves?" Higher percentages indicate higher proportion of players on the team who engaged in that sun protective behavior.
Directly observed child shade seeking
Time frame: At baseline and post-intervention (3-6 weeks after intervention has been delivered)
Teams and their players will be observed once at the beginning and once at the end of the baseball season. A trained research assistant will tally the total number of children who spent time in shade or under an umbrella at any time during the practice or game. This tallied number will create a percentage of the team that spent time in shade/under umbrella. The percentages from the beginning and end of the season will be compared to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. "How many in shade/under umbrella?" Higher percentages indicate higher proportion of players on the team who engaged in that sun protective behavior.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- i. Adults who currently have children ages 3 and older years of age playing on participating sports teams in leagues serving rural areas in Utah or West Virginia (rural is defined as ≥4 by the RUCA or RUCC systems) ii. Live and/or work in rural communities in Utah or West Virginia (≥4 as defined by the RUCA or RUCC systems) Coach/leader inclusion criteria: i. Adults who serve as coaches or leaders of recreational sports (i.e. baseball/softball, soccer, flag football, etc.) teams or developmental programs serving children ages 3 and older ii. Live and/or work in rural areas of Utah or West Virginia (rural is defined as ≥4 by the RUCA or RUCC systems) Participant inclusion criteria for minor participants (ages 3 and older) are as follows: i. Live in rural communities and/or participate in sports leagues serving rural communities in Utah or West Virginia (≥4 as defined by the RUCA or RUCC systems). Participant inclusion criteria for key informant interviews are as follows: i. Adults who serve as leaders or who are affiliated with sports leagues or community groups serving rural youths and/or adults who currently have minor children 3 years of age or older playing on participating sports teams and/or adults who live and/or work in rural communities in Utah or West Virginia ((≥4 as defined by the RUCA or RUCC systems) Local sports leagues will be eligible to participate if they convene recreational sports (i.e. baseball/softball) teams or developmental programs (i.e. T-ball and coach pitch) for children ages 3 and older.
Exclusion criteria
- Adults and children who do not speak or read English will be excluded.
- For individuals asked to complete surveys, individuals who have a medical or other condition (e.g., developmental delay) that would preclude their completion of these surveys will be excluded.
Where
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Morgantown, West Virginia
Collaborators
Georgetown University, West Virginia University
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations