Skin Cancer Prevention Behaviors Research Articles

Preliminary effects of a rural skin cancer prevention intervention for youths.

To pilot and assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the Rural Adult and Youth Sun (RAYS) protection program, a multilevel skin cancer preventive intervention for young children living in rural U.S. communities, delivered through community-organized team sports. Three rural counties in Utah participated with two receiving the intervention and the third serving as a control. Youth sports leagues were recruited through recreation departments and the study took place from May through October 2021. Intervention leagues received sun protection supplies for players and coaches, educational materials for parents, and coaches were offered training on skin cancer and sun protection behaviors. The RAYS program is both feasible to deliver and acceptable to coaches, parents, and players. The intervention also demonstrates beneficial preliminary effects on components of observed child sun-protective behaviors, coach sun protection behaviors, knowledge of skin cancer prevention recommendations, and self-efficacy in skin cancer prevention. Multilevel interventions for skin cancer prevention among young children can be successfully delivered through community organizations and their settings. A priority moving forward is the identification of ways to optimize delivery of such programs to positively influence skin cancer preventive behaviors among children living in diverse rural areas. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Abstract A009: Engaging Latino communities to develop a skin cancer intervention: A qualitative exploration

Abstract Introduction: In the past two decades, melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) incidence among Latinos has risen by 20%. Despite the lower incidence rate of skin cancers among Latinos compared to Caucasians, the mortality rate of Latinos is higher. However, skin cancer is understudied among Latinos and they were less likely to engage in skin cancer preventive behaviors. This qualitative study explored Latinos’ beliefs and behaviors related to skin cancer and their interest in a skin cancer intervention from both community members and key stakeholders. Methods: Latinos were recruited in New Jersey through community organizations and social media posts (n=34; 11 Spanish-preferring and 23 English-preferring) for focus group discussions. Five focus groups (2 in Spanish and 3 in English) were conducted, where participants discussed their perceptions and behaviors about skin cancer, sun protection, skin self-examination, culture and lifestyles, and their recommendations for a mobile skin cancer intervention. Additionally, healthcare providers (n=4) and Latino community leaders (n=5) were recruited for individual interviews to complement the results of focus groups. A thematic analysis was conducted on all transcripts. Results: Focus group participants aged from 18 to 73 (M=33.44), 50% were female (n=17), 29.4% (n=10) had a household income below $25000, and 32.3% (n=11) had less than a college degree. Awareness of and knowledge about skin cancer, sun protection, and skin examination were low overall. All participants indicated that skin cancer communication is rare among Latinos. There was consensus among the findings of the focus groups and key stakeholder interviews. Perceived barriers included: 1) limited access (e.g., health insurance); 2) low awareness or knowledge (e.g., don’t know efficient sun protection methods or what to look for in skin self-examination); 3) misperception (e.g., dark skin won’t get skin cancer). Salient facilitators included: 1) care for family (e.g., sunscreen for children and parents); 2) consequences (e.g., worry and fear of aging or death, sunburns); 3) coverage or access (e.g., good insurance). Social media usage was prevalent in many households, with WhatsApp and Facebook being popular platforms for communication with family and friends, as well as for discussing health-related topics. The consensus regarding intervention messages was that visuals and clear/simple messages featuring Latinos would be effective in educating about skin cancer and promoting behavior change. As complementary findings, key stakeholders indicated that educating the women in the family on sun safety behaviors, involving local Latino organizations, and delivering messages from physicians directly would be effective. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of skin cancer education within the Latino community, particularly due to low awareness and misperception of skin cancer, sun protection, and skin examination. Social media present a promising way to reach Latinos through culturally-centered and mobile-based interventions. Citation Format: Zhaomeng Niu, Aarthi Shanmugavel, Yonaira Rivera, Carolina Lozada, Emily Peters, Carolyn Heckman. Engaging Latino communities to develop a skin cancer intervention: A qualitative exploration [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A009.

Sharing and seeking information about skin cancer risk and prevention among Hispanic people from Florida and Puerto Rico

ObjectiveTo explore factors associated with communication and information-seeking after receipt of skin cancer prevention information among Hispanic individuals. MethodsMultivariable logistic regression was used to analyze existing data on demographics, personal experience, salience, and beliefs variables collected from Hispanic individuals to determine independent associations with sharing and seeking information about skin cancer prevention. ResultsOf 578 participants, 53% reported any communication about skin cancer prevention behaviors or skin cancer genetic risk; and 31% and 21% sought additional information about preventive behaviors or genetic risk, respectively. Female sex, greater perceived severity, higher comparative chance of getting skin cancer, and lower health literacy were associated with greater communication, while having no idea of one's own skin cancer risk was related to less communication. Greater health numeracy and higher cancer worry were associated with information-seeking about prevention behaviors and genetic risk. ConclusionUp to half of participants reported communication or information-seeking, although factors associated with specific activities differed. Future studies should evaluate how to promote communication behaviors in the Hispanic community and how sharing and seeking information influence an individual's network prevention practices. InnovationSeveral factors related to communication behaviors among Hispanic people after obtaining skin cancer prevention information were identified.Trial registration: This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03509467).

Predictors of correct recall of genetic risk information among Hispanic individuals in Florida and Puerto Rico

ObjectiveTo identify predictors of genetic risk recall and examine whether recall influences adoption of skin cancer preventive behaviors among Hispanic individuals. MethodsHispanic participants randomized to intervention arms (n = 463) of a precision prevention trial were provided MC1R risk information (average, higher) and asked to recall their risk after 3 and 9 months. Predictors of recall (correct versus did not recall/misremembered) were determined by backwards stepwise logistic regression. Intervention effects on preventive behaviors were estimated within strata of 3-month recall. ResultsAge inversely predicted correct recall in both risk groups (average: OR3-months(3)= 0.97, 95%CI:0.94–1.01, OR9-months(9)= 0.96, 95%CI:0.93–0.99; higher: OR3 = 0.98, 95%CI:0.95–1.01, OR9 = 0.98, 95%CI:0.95–1.00). Education positively predicted recall among participants at average risk (OR3 =1.64, 95%CI:1.06–2.63, OR9 =1.73, 95%CI:1.12–2.81). Darker untanned skin color inversely predicted recall among participants at higher risk (OR3 =0.68, 95%CI:0.45–0.99, OR9 =0.74, 95%CI:0.50–1.09). Intervention effects for routine sunscreen use and undergoing a clinical skin exam were stronger among participants at higher risk who correctly recalled at 3 months than those who did not recall/misremembered. ConclusionsYounger age, higher education, and lighter untanned skin color predicted correct recall. Better recall may improve skin cancer prevention outcomes. Practice ImplicationsAdditional strategies are needed to boost recall among Hispanic individuals who are older, less educated, and darker-skinned.

An application of a series of theory-based educational intervention based on the health belief model on skin cancer prevention behaviors in female high school students

BackgroundCancer is a leading cause of death globally and the second cause of death in developed countries. Having a rising incidence, skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Iran. Long-term UV radiations, particularly during childhood and adolescence, is a major cause of skin cancers. The Theory of Planned Behavior as the most precise indicator of behavior, contains motivational factors affecting behavior. This theory has been successful in predicting factors related to chronic diseases, especially cancer. As this model was successful in assessing sun-protective behaviors in previous studies, this study was designed to figure out how a theory-based educational intervention can affect the skin cancer prevention practices of Iranian female high school students. MethodsThis experimental investigation was carried out 2019–2020 using multistage cluster sampling method on 400 female high school students in Fasa, Fars, Iran. A questionnaire consisting of demographic data and a questionnaire including the components of the Theory of Planned Behavior was used to assess skin cancer preventative behaviors of both the trial and control groups of the study. An educational program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was held for the experimental group for eight weeks regarding skin cancer preventive behaviors. The two groups completed questionnaires three months following the intervention for a second time. ResultsThe study's findings revealed that prior to the intervention, there was no considerable distinction between the two study groups with regard to knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions, and skin cancer prevention behaviors; yet, three months later, the experimental group demonstrated increases in each of the mentioned variables with a significant difference. In contrast, the control group showed no discernible difference. ConclusionsThe findings of this investigation highlighted the success of the Theory of Planned Behavior for designing educational interventions aimed at encouraging skin cancer prevention in a population of female high school students.

Factors Associated With Sun Protection Behaviors Among Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. Engaging in sun-protective behaviors may ameliorate that risk, but prior work shows that survivors engage in suboptimal levels of sun-protective behaviors. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study evaluated factors associated with sun-protective behavior among CCS. This is a secondary analysis of a survey study of 94 adult survivors of childhood cancer recruited from a long-term follow-up clinic. Participants reported their sun protection habits, skin type/sensitivity, barriers to sun protection, and perceived severity and susceptibility of getting skin cancer. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of sun protection behaviors and hierarchical linear regression was used to evaluate predictors of sun protection behavior following the HBM. On average, CCS engaged in moderate levels of sun-protective behaviors ( M =2.53; SD=0.59). Hierarchical linear regression indicated that fair skin type ( P =0.02) and higher perceived susceptibility relative to noncancer survivors ( P =0.02) were associated with increased sun protection behaviors. Perceived barriers to sun protection were marginally significant ( P =0.09), whereas other constructs from the HBM did not contribute significantly to the model. Although CCS are at increased risk of developing skin cancer, they engage in suboptimal levels of sun protection behaviors. Findings suggest that interventions to educate survivors about their unique risk of skin cancer and effective prevention behaviors are needed.

Sun protective behaviors in sun-sensitive individuals: a cross-sectional study examining for ethnic and racial differences.

The rates of non-melanoma skin cancer continue to rise in the United States. We investigated if differences exist in skin cancer preventive behaviors among sun-sensitive non-Hispanic whites and other racial and ethnic groups. The National Health Information Survey was used to perform the cross-sectional study. Outcomes of interest included multiple sun-protective methods. Individuals were determined to be sun-sensitive if Fitzpatrick skin phototype (SPT) I/II. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the use of sun-protective practices and race and ethnicity, SPT, and survey year. The study included 67,471 individuals. Adjusted prevalences of skin cancer preventive behaviors revealed that across all SPTs, non-Hispanic whites were more likely to use sunscreen, undergo physician-administered FBSE, and have multiple sunburns or tan indoors in the past year compared to corresponding SPT other racial and ethnic groups. In contrast, other racial and ethnic groups with any SPT were more likely to practice sun avoidance than corresponding SPT non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, other racial and ethnic groups with SPT III+ were more likely to wear sun-protective clothing than non-Hispanic white individuals with similar SPTs. For all SPT and racial and ethnic groups, there were significant increases in sunscreen use and decreases in past-year indoor tanning. Full body skin examination prevalence, regardless of sun sensitivity, increased for all non-Hispanic whites, but remained unchanged for sun-sensitive other racial and ethnic groups. Adjusted prevalence of multiple sunburns and use of protective clothing remained unchanged for all racial and ethnic groups across all SPT categories. There are differences in sun-protective behaviors among sun-sensitive individuals by race and ethnicity with the magnitude of some of these differences increasing. Future research and public health campaigns are needed on photosensitive individuals and the relationship between skin protective behaviors and race/ethnicity. When discussing sun protection, care providers should not only consider the influence of sun-sensitivity, but also race and ethnicity, and its impact on sun prevention behaviors.

“She’ll Be Right, Mate”: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Skin Cancer Prevention Practices among Australian Farmers—An At-Risk Group

This study examined Australian farmers’ engagement with skin cancer prevention behaviours and explored what made it hard for them to be ‘SunSmart’ (barriers), and what could be done to make prevention easier (facilitators). In total, 498 farmers (83.1% male, 22–89 years, 50.8% grain, sheep, or cattle farmers) participated. The least frequently performed SunSmart behaviours (reported as never practiced during summer) were using SPF 30+ sunscreen (16.6%), wearing protective sunglasses (10.5%), and wearing protective clothing (8.6%). Greater engagement (i.e., higher scores on scale from Never to Always) with SunSmart behaviours was explained by gender (female), educational attainment (trade or technical college certificate vs. high school), personal skin cancer history, and skin sun sensitivity. Barriers reported by farmers related to personal preferences (e.g., short-sleeved rather than long-sleeved clothing), comfort, and perceived impracticality of sun protection. Farmers’ solutions included making protective clothing and sunscreen more appropriate for farm work (e.g., by making clothing more breathable). A personal health scare was the most reported motivation for skin cancer prevention. Findings highlight the need for increased access to sun-protective clothing and sunscreen that is suitable for wearing when working on farms, complemented by culturally appropriate health education messaging, to encourage more farmers to perform SunSmart behaviours.

Application of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in Teaching Skin Cancer Prevention Behaviors in Male Students.

Adolescents are at high risk of skin cancer. Since protecting the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is an important way to prevent this disease, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching skin cancer prevention behaviors using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in male students in Isfahan. An intervention study examined change in attitudes and behaviors among 104, 13-year-old male students from two schools in Isfahan, Iran. The schools were randomized to either receive or not receive a 5-session skin cancer prevention curriculum based in PMT theory. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire that included demographic, PMT, and behavior construct variables. Questionnaires were completed by both groups before and 2 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20, chi-square test, Mann–Whitney test, paired t-test, and McNemar’s test. The results indicated that the mean scores of all constructs of PMT increased in the intervention group compared to the baseline assessment, except for the response cost (P < 0.001). The mean score of students’ skin cancer preventive behaviors was 39.6 (21.4) in the intervention group, and it increased to 74.7 (23.5) after educational intervention, while the control group did not exhibit any significant behavior change. The intervention certainly shows the potential for being effective over the short-term. Therefore, it is recommended that PMT-based educational interventions be designed to teach and promote social health, particularly at an early age.

Application of protection motivation theory (PMT) on skin cancer preventive behaviors amongst primary school students in rural areas of Fasa city-Iran

BackgroundConsidering that exposure to sunlight in childhood and adolescence has an important role in skin cancer, so it seems that training protective behaviors in this period is more effective.ObjectivesTo survey the application of protection motivation theory (PMT) on skin cancer preventive behaviors among students in rural areas of Fasa city, Iran.MethodsThis study was done in two stages: Phase I of this study, the descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 to investigate the predictive value of the protection motivation theory on skin cancer preventive behaviors. In the second stage, a quasi-experimental interventional study was conducted on 400 primary school students in 2019. The educational intervention was performed in the experimental group for 8 sessions. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire and protection motivation theory before and six months after the intervention.ResultsThe constructs of protection motivation theory predicted 58.6% of skin cancer preventive behaviors. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of knowledge, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, reward, fear, protection motivation, response efficacy, self-efficacy, response costs, and the skin cancer preventive behaviors in before the intervention (p > 0.05). However, six months after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in each of the mentioned constructs and skin cancer protective behaviors (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study showed the effectiveness of the intervention based on the PMT constructs in adoption of skin cancer preventive behaviors in 6 months’ post intervention in primary school students.

Forty years of Slip! Slop! Slap! A call to action on skin cancer prevention for Australia.

This year, 2021, marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic Slip! Slop! Slap! campaign which launched Australia's status as a global leader in skin cancer prevention. Since the campaign first aired in the summer of 1980-81, notable successes have been achieved, with melanoma rates declining in younger age groups. While skin cancer prevention is rightly considered a triumph of Australian public health, challenges remain. Australia still has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with about 2000 deaths per year from the disease. Skin cancer also presents the highest cost burden to the health system of any cancer type. Despite this, government investment at the national level is lacking. It is more difficult than ever to collect valuable representative national data on population skin cancer prevention behaviours to underpin and evaluate programs, as the methodology used previously has become unfeasible. There has not been a national skin cancer prevention mass-media campaign for over a decade, indicating complacency from policy makers. State and territory governments could also do more to implement evidence-based policies aimed at protecting children from ultraviolet radiation. This paper sets out Australia's skin cancer prevention landscape in 2021, and makes the case for a renewed focus from government on sun protection to safeguard the significant gains made over four decades and to protect future generations from an almost entirely preventable cancer.

Impact of personal genomic risk information on melanoma prevention behaviors and psychological outcomes: a randomized controlled trial

PurposeWe evaluated the impact of personal melanoma genomic risk information on sun-related behaviors and psychological outcomes.MethodsIn this parallel group, open, randomized controlled trial, 1,025 Australians of European ancestry without melanoma and aged 18–69 years were recruited via the Medicare database (3% consent). Participants were randomized to the intervention (n = 513; saliva sample for genetic testing, personalized melanoma risk booklet based on a 40-variant polygenic risk score, telephone-based genetic counseling, educational booklet) or control (n = 512; educational booklet). Wrist-worn ultraviolet (UV) radiation dosimeters (10-day wear) and questionnaires were administered at baseline, 1 month postintervention, and 12 months postbaseline.ResultsAt 12 months, 948 (92%) participants completed dosimetry and 973 (95%) the questionnaire. For the primary outcome, there was no effect of the genomic risk intervention on objectively measured UV exposure at 12 months, irrespective of traditional risk factors. For secondary outcomes at 12 months, the intervention reduced sunburns (risk ratio: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.96), and increased skin examinations among women. Melanoma-related worry was reduced. There was no overall impact on general psychological distress.ConclusionPersonalized genomic risk information did not influence sun exposure patterns but did improve some skin cancer prevention and early detection behaviors, suggesting it may be useful for precision prevention. There was no evidence of psychological harm.

Can adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors among seafarers be increased via a theory-based mobile phone-based text message intervention? A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundOne of the main occupational hazards for seafarers is the long exposure to sunlight. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a mobile phone-based text message intervention in adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors among a sample of seafarers in Genaveh port located in Bushehr province, Iran.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 136 seafarers were randomly selected and assigned to the intervention (n = 68) or a control groups (n = 68). As a theoretical basis, we followed the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) variables to develop the text messages. The data related to PMT variables and skin cancer preventive behaviors were collected through a questionnaire. Forty-five text messages were designed, pre-tested and sent to the seafarers’ phones in the intervention group in 45 days. Both groups were followed up 1 month after the intervention. Data collected in the two stages were analyzed using paired-samples t-test, ANCOVA, and Chi-square tests.ResultsFollowing the intervention, the mean scores of adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors (p = 0.001), perceived self-efficacy (p = 0.01), protection motivation (p = 0.02), and fear (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. There was significant reduction in the response costs (p = 0.05) and perceived rewards (p = 0.01) scores in the intervention group compared with the control group after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences in the perceived vulnerability (p = 0.14), perceived severity (p = 0.09), and response efficacy (p = 0.64) between the two groups after the intervention.ConclusionsThe results of the study indicated the effectiveness of mobile phone-based text message intervention for increasing skin cancer preventive behaviors in Iranian seafarers.Trial registrationIranian Registry for Clinical Trial (the link to trial: https://www.irct.ir/trial/7572). Registered 16 July, 2016. Prospectively registered.

Determinants of Skin Cancer Prevention Behaviors in Yazd Students: Application of the Extended Parallel Process Model

Introduction: Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers with an increasing global rate. In preventing this disease, the most basic measure is sun protection behaviors. Given the importance of health for medical students as health ambassadors, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extended parallel process model on the skin cancer preventive behaviors in Yazd students.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 280 students of Yazd universities in 2019. The participants were selected using the random sampling method. A questionnaire based on the extended parallel processes model was used to collect the information. After entering SPSS 18 software, the data were analyzed using appropriate parametric statistical tests including independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and linear regression at the significance level of 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The participants’ mean age and standard deviation was 22.69±3.18 years within the range of 18 to 41 years. Among the participants, 62.5% were women. Application of hats and sunscreen was 15.7% and 30.9%, respectively. According to the findings, the perceived severity structural had the highest score among the model structures. Among the constructs of model, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of behavioral intention (β = 0.376) and preventive behaviors of skin cancer (β = 0.109).&#x0D; Conclusion: Due to the low level of protective behaviors and self-efficacy perceived construct, as the most effective factors on the preventive behaviors of skin cancer, it is recommended to consider educational interventions in this regard.

Risks of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of The Lip and Cutaneous Melanoma in Older Australians Using Hydrochlorothiazide (HTCZ)

IntroductionHCTZ is first-line treatment for hypertension and among the most commonly used medicines in Australia. Recent evidence suggests increased risks of lip and skin cancers in association with HCTZ use.&#x0D; Objectives and ApproachTo determine the risk of SCC of the lip and melanoma among people prescribed HCTZ in Australia we conducted a case-control study nested within a cohort of Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients 65 years and older in 2004-2015. We identified incident cases of SCC of the lip (lip cancer) and of cutaneous melanoma (malignant melanoma), each matched by sex and age with up to 20 controls through risk-set sampling. We ascertained HCTZ use from dispensing data and classified use according to ever/never use and cumulative use. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) associating HCTZ use with lip cancer and malignant melanoma using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for predefined confounders obtained from dispensing and hospitalisation data.&#x0D; ResultsFor lip cancer (45 cases) ever-use of HCTZ yielded an OR of 2.6 (95%CI: 1.4–5.0) and high HCTZ use (&gt;25,000mg) an OR of 4.7 (1.61–13.7). For malignant melanoma (659 cases) ever-use of HCTZ resulted in an OR of 1.2 (1.0–1.5) and high HCTZ use in an OR of 1.2 (0.8–1.8).&#x0D; Conclusion / ImplicationsOur study provides further evidence that the photosensitising properties of HCTZ may promote SCC carcinogenesis, and possibly melanoma, in susceptible sun-exposed tissues. Our findings are the first from the Australian population—already at elevated risk of developing skin cancer—and add to the growing body of data supporting the need for skin cancer prevention advice and behaviours, and potentially heightened surveillance, for individuals prescribed this medication.

Determining Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors in the Light of the Protection Motivation Theory among Sailors in Bandar-Bushehr in the South of Iran.

Background:Skin cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in Iran and worldwide. Due to the nature of work, sailors are constantly exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which in the long run damages their skin and raises the chances of skin cancer. Thus, the present research aimed to predict the skin cancer protective behaviors among sailors in the south of Iran in the light of the protection motivation theory. Materials and Methods:The present analytical, cross-sectional research was conducted on 360 sailors in Bandar-Bushehr selected randomly from 4 border healthcare centers. To collect the required data, a reliable and valid questionnaire based on the protection motivation theory was used. The data were analyzed in SPSS21 using descriptive and inferential statistics including Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results:Pearson correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant positive correlation between protection motivation, perceived severity, fear, reward on the one hand and a statistically significant negative correlation between protection motivation and rewards and response costs. All constructs of protection motivation explained 43% of the variance of skin cancer protective behaviors. Among the influential predictors, perceived self-efficacy showed to be the strongest (β=0.328). Conclusion:Considering the effectiveness of the protection motivation theory in determining skin cancer preventive behaviors among sailors, it can be concluded that this theory can be used as a framework in planning health education and promotion programs to motivate sailors to adopt more skin cancer protective behaviors.

18697 Skin cancer: Knowledge, attitudes, and prevention behaviors among outdoor-working patients diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer

Background: Outdoor workers receive regular and intense exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, increasing their risk of developing skin cancer. Moreover, individuals diagnosed with skin cancer remain at elevated risk of new skin cancers, including malignant melanoma. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the skin cancer knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors among outdoor workers diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

16137 Temporal trends in primary and secondary skin cancer prevention in the United States

Background: There are an increasing number of public health campaigns addressing skin cancer prevention to combat rising incidence. We analyzed temporal trends in skin cancer prevention behaviors to examine the impact of such campaigns.

Skin cancer in skin of color: A cross-sectional study investigating gaps in prevention campaigns on social media

Skin cancer in skin of color: A cross-sectional study investigating gaps in prevention campaigns on social media

Path analysis of skin cancer preventive behavior among the rural women based on protection motivation theory

BackgroundDetermining the effective factors on the adoption of preventive behaviors capable of reducing the risk of skin cancer is an important step in designing interventions to promote these behaviors. Based on the protection motivation theory, the present study is aimed to conduct a path analysis of skin cancer preventive behaviors in rural women to explore these factors.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 243 rural women were randomly selected from the west of Iran to receive a valid and reliable questionnaire assessing constructs from the protection motivation theory, as well as demographic information. Fully completed questionnaires were returned by 230 women and the data were analyzed by SPSS 22 and LISREL8.8.ResultsConcerning skin cancer preventive behaviors, 27.8% of women wore sun-blocking clothing when working under the sun, 21.7% used sunscreen cream, 5.7% wore a cap, and 4.8% used gloves and sunglasses. Protection motivation theory and per capita income explained 51% of motivation variance and 25% of the variance of skin cancer preventive behaviors. The response efficacy construct was the strongest predictor of the motivation of protection (ß = − 0.44, p < 0/001). Per-capita income (ß = − 0.34, p < 0/001) and motivation (ß = − 0.33, p < 0/001) were the strongest predictors of these behaviors.ConclusionsThis study showed that protection motivation theory is efficient in predicting skin cancer preventive behaviors and the interventions can be designed and implemented by this theory. Proper planning is also necessary for promoting these behaviors among people with low per-capita income.