33790 Community bonding to break barriers to care: Improving skin cancer knowledge in the skin of color community

Abstract

Background: The Skin of Color Community Event Series (SOCCES) hosts bimonthly events with an introductory presentation about skin of color concerns, followed by a question-and-answer session with an interdisciplinary rotating panel of dermatologists, psychologists, hair stylists, and estheticians. Here, we discuss the feasibility and effectiveness of our most recent 2021 virtual event on skin cancer. Methods: Paired T-test analyses were conducted to compare pre- and post-event mean knowledge and attitude scores. Results: Most participants (79.3%) were 18-34 year-old Black/African-American females. Although 63.2% of attendees reported a concerning spot, mole or skin growth, the majority (86.8%) had never visited a dermatologist for a full body skin examination. Top barriers to receiving care from a dermatologist included being unsure of where to go, lack of insurance coverage or cost concerns, and being unable to find a dermatologist they trusted. Approximately half (51.3%) of participants reported sunscreen use 75-100% of the time. Barriers to daily sunscreen application were forgetting to apply, the product’s white cast, and the belief that use is unnecessary. We observed significant increases in knowledge (t(16) = -6.57, P < .001) and positive attitudes (t(16) = -3.17, P < .003). Post-event questionnaires showed that 96% of attendees were more likely to wear sunscreen daily and 83% were likely to complete a self-skin examination at home. Conclusion: SOCCES uses unique virtual community spaces to promote knowledge and positive attitudes towards accessing dermatologic care to improve barriers to care for people of color.