Abstract B088: Assessing augmented reality adoption for skin cancer prevention among at-risk populations: A TAM-based approach

Abstract Background: Skin cancer rates are rising in the United States. Augmented Reality (AR) technology, which blends virtual and real-world elements to create an interactive user experience, has shown great potential in skin cancer prevention and has been used to support dermatologists in the early diagnosis of melanoma. Purpose: This study applied the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to assess AR technology adoption of a mobile-based skin cancer intervention among adults at risk for skin cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered via Qualtrics in English and Spanish among adults at risk for skin cancer who reported low sun protection behaviors. Recruitment was conducted by the Qualtrics Team in November–December 2024. Data were analyzed using Python 3.8.8. Results: Among 603 eligible participants, a total of 466 completed over 70% of the survey (completion rate: 77.28%), and 63.9% (n=298) completed the survey in English. The average age was 48.08 years (SD = 18.16). The sample was 53.4% female (n = 242) and 46.14% non-Hispanic White (n = 215); 28.6% (n = 128) had a bachelor’s degree or higher, 51.8% (n = 234) earned below $40,000 annually, 48.5% (n = 219) were employed, and 46.5% (n =211) were married. Linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.750, p < .001), controlling for demographic variables, identified several significant predictors of AR intention: attitude toward AR (B = 0.494, SE =0.048, p < .001), ease of use (B = 0.153, SE = 0.037, p < .001), usefulness (B = 0.088, SE =0.041, p = .034), and social influence (B = 0.188, SE = 0.032, p < .001). Additional predictors included worry about skin cancer (B = 0.069, SE = 0.027, p = .012) and trust in health information from scientists/health researchers (B = 0.070, SE = 0.035, p = .043). Notably, non-Hispanic White participants (B = -0.081, SE = 0.028, p = .004) and older age groups (B = -0.061, SE = 0.029, p = .035) were significantly associated with lower intention to use AR. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical roles of user attitudes, perceived ease, usefulness, social influences, and demographic characteristics in shaping AR adoption for skin cancer prevention. Incorporating relevant demographic factors and enhancing the determinants of AR adoption into the design of AR-based skin cancer interventions may improve engagement and uptake among populations at elevated risk for skin cancer. Citation Format: Karen Dhami, David Perez, Zhaomeng Niu. Assessing augmented reality adoption for skin cancer prevention among at-risk populations: A TAM-based approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B088.