The Use of the Video, "Dear 16-Year-Old Me," as a Melanoma Education Tool in Ambulatory Dermatology.

Abstract

Skin cancer continues to be the most common cancer in the United States. The rise of social media platforms and internet use offers an opportunity to present health information through video-based education. The video "Dear 16-Year-OldMe," addresses the risks associated with tanning and sun exposure, the importance of practicing sun protection, and shares stories from melanoma survivors. To evaluate the video "Dear 16-Year-Old Me," as a patient education tool in dermatology clinics and to investigate whether viewing a short educational video can change knowledge about skin cancer risks and intention to improve skin cancer prevention behavior. English-speaking clinic patients between the ages of 14 to 45 years old were recruited. Exclusion criteria include both a personal or family history of skin cancer, dysplastic nevi, or other medical comorbidities. Forty-five participants agreed to participate; 38 were eligible for analysis. Comparison of prevideo and postvideo responses demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in participants reporting they were likely to tan outdoors (p-value = .001). A significant increase was observed in the reported likelihood to have a professional skin examination (p-value < .001) or self-examination (p-value < .001) in the future. and Relevance: Viewing "Dear 16-Year-Old Me," resulted in reported participant changes in intention to tan outdoors and participate in skin surveillance. Although these are encouraging results, future studies with a comparison group are needed to elucidate whether these results correspond to changes in behavior. In the age of viral videos and readily accessible health information via the internet, continued investigation of video media on patient health behaviors should be pursued.