Skin Cancer Prevention In Young Men PDF Download

"Skin cancer is a common, potentially life threatening disease notably on the rise among young adults in the U.S. due to increased sun exposure, intentional sun exposure, and decreased sun protection behaviors. A substantial portion of lifetime exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation occurs during this developmental period. Despite attempts to raise awareness through national skin cancer prevention campaigns, studies suggest that a large proportion of the general population still engage in suboptimal levels of sun protection. The purpose of this project was to explore the use of a video-based educational intervention providing young adults with the knowledge and skills needed to minimize their risk of developing skin cancer. The Health Belief Model and the ACE Star Model of evidence-based practice guided this project. Ninety-four adults 18 years of age and older, visiting a dermatology clinic in Northwest Florida, were recruited. The intervention included a 10-minute educational session utilizing a Power Point presentation focusing on skin cancer preventive behaviors and adequate sunscreen protection. Questionnaires were administered to participants immediately before, and after, the presentation. The major outcome evaluated was an increase of knowledge of skin cancer preventive behaviors and adequate sunscreen protection. The project demonstrated significant (p = 0.001) improvements in adults' knowledge of skin cancer preventive behaviors and adequate sunscreen protection. Implications for advancing nursing practice are to promote improved patient knowledge in order to decrease the incidence of skin cancer in the nation's population. Knowledge derived from this project can be used to ascertain the need of future skin cancer prevention efforts. Key words: skin cancer; skin cancer prevention; skin cancer prevention education; evidence-based practice " -- Abstract.