Associations of Social Factors and Self-Efficacy with Skin-Self Examination Intentions Among Hispanics at Risk for Skin Cancer and Their Preferences for Digital Interventions.

Abstract

Skin cancer ranks as the most prevalent cancer in the United States. Over the past two decades, the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, among Hispanics has risen by 20%. Melanoma mortality rates are higher in Hispanics than in non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Early detection of melanoma via skin self-examination may lead to diagnosis of melanoma at an earlier stage, when they are thinner, less invasive, and more easily treatable, resulting in improved survival rates. Given the gap in research addressing culturally relevant factors related to skin cancer prevention and detection among Hispanics and informed by the Preventive Health Model, this study tested the associations between social and normative factors and self-efficacy with thorough skin self-examination (TSSE) intentions and queried participants about their preferences for skin cancer-related interventions. Among respondents (n = 79), 55.7% were female (n = 44), and 89.9% held a college or higher degree (n = 71). Self-efficacy fully mediated the effects of descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and provider-patient communication on TSSE intentions among Hispanics. On average, respondents demonstrated considerable interest in participating in a skin cancer-related behavioral intervention using a mobile application (75.6%) and/or using WhatsApp (71.8%). These preliminary findings provide new insights for development of future digital skin cancer intervention programs among Hispanics targeting social factors, including social norms and provider-patient communication, and utilizing preferred digital tools.