Promoting Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors
Conditions
Keywords
Educational intervention, Health Belief Model, Cancer, Skin cancer, Healthcare Workers
Brief summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to assess whether an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) can effectively improve skin cancer protective behaviors, knowledge, and related health beliefs among female healthcare workers in Ahvaz, Iran. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the HBM-based educational program increase participants' knowledge about skin cancer, its risk factors, and preventive measures? * Does the intervention improve key HBM constructs such as perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action, leading to enhanced protective behaviors against skin cancer? Researchers will compare an intervention group receiving a multicomponent educational program-including seven 45-minute sessions delivered both in-person and via WhatsApp-tailored to HBM constructs, with a comparison group receiving no intervention, to determine the intervention's effectiveness. Participants will: * Attend structured educational sessions covering skin cancer symptoms, risks, prevention strategies, behavioral barriers, motivation, and self-efficacy enhancement, using multimedia tools and group discussions * Receive reminder messages and educational materials to facilitate behavior change * Complete validated questionnaires assessing knowledge, HBM constructs, and protective behaviors before the intervention and two months afterwards This study will evaluate if implementing a theory-driven, blended educational intervention can successfully promote protective behaviors and health beliefs related to skin cancer prevention among female healthcare workers.
Detailed description
This clinical trial study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in health centers of Ahvaz, Iran, to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in promoting skin cancer protective behaviors among female healthcare workers (HCWs). The study employed a two-group parallel design, randomly allocating 160 participants into an intervention group (n=54) and a comparison group (n=106). Eligible participants included female HCWs employed in the selected centers, with smartphone access and the ability to engage with digital educational content. The educational program was developed according to HBM constructs, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The intervention consisted of seven 45-minute sessions delivered over two months using a blended approach combining in-person workshops and WhatsApp-based virtual education. Teaching methods included lectures, multimedia presentations, group discussions, motivational messaging, and reminder posters strategically placed in the workplace. The content was tailored based on baseline knowledge and behavioral assessments. Early sessions addressed skin cancer symptoms, risk factors, and complications to raise awareness and perceived risk. Subsequent sessions emphasized the advantages of protective behaviors, addressed and sought to reduce perceived barriers, and incorporated stress management and motivational techniques to enhance self-efficacy. Data collection employed a validated researcher-designed questionnaire covering demographic variables, knowledge about skin cancer, HBM constructs, and adherence to UV protective behaviors. Assessments were performed at baseline and two months post-intervention. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests for categorical variables, and independent and paired t-tests to compare continuous variables within and between groups. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlled for confounding factors when evaluating intervention effects.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALHealth Belief Model-Based Educational Program for Skin Cancer Prevention Among Female Healthcare Workers
This blended educational intervention employs the Health Belief Model (HBM) to promote skin cancer preventive behaviors in female healthcare workers in Ahvaz, Iran. The 7-session program (each 45 minutes) combines in-person training with WhatsApp-based follow-ups. Participant Components: * Structured sessions targeting knowledge and HBM constructs such as perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. * Use of multimedia tools including videos, pamphlets, and interactive discussions. * Motivational messaging, stress management clips, and role-modeling techniques to build self-efficacy. * Visual cues such as posters placed in healthcare workplaces. * Daily reminder messages to reinforce behavior change. Unique aspects distinguishing this intervention include its specific tailoring for female healthcare workers in a high UV-exposure region, the combined digital and face-to-face delivery approach, and comprehensive focus on all HBM construc
Sponsors
Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
This study uses a parallel-group quasi-experimental design, where female healthcare workers are assigned to either an intervention group or a comparison group. Both groups were followed concurrently over a two-month period. The intervention group received a multicomponent blended educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), delivered through face-to-face sessions and WhatsApp messaging. The comparison group did not receive any educational intervention. Outcomes related to skin cancer knowledge, Health Belief Model constructs, and protective behaviors against ultraviolet radiation were measured and compared at baseline and two months post-intervention. This design allows a direct evaluation of the intervention's effectiveness compared to usual conditions without educational input.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Employment at Ahvaz healthcare centers, * Absence of specific dermatological conditions, * Provision of informed consent, * Having a smartphone and knowing how to use it, and * Non-participation in concurrent similar educational interventions.
Exclusion criteria
* Absence from more than two training sessions, * Physical limitations preventing further participation, * Incomplete or invalid questionnaire .
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors | Baseline (pre-intervention) and 2 months post-intervention. | Skin cancer protective behaviors among female healthcare workers were assessed using a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire. The instrument included multiple items evaluating behaviors such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing (wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, gloves), and using sunglasses. Responses were measured on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). Protective behaviors were expressed as the average score across items, with higher scores indicating more frequent and consistent engagement in skin cancer prevention practices. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in Cognitive-Behavioral Constructs Related to Skin Cancer Prevention | Before and two months after the intervention | This outcome assesses changes in Health Belief Model (HBM)-based constructs related to skin cancer prevention, including perceived susceptibility (5 items; score range: 5-25), perceived severity (6 items; score range: 6-30), perceived benefits (5 items; score range: 5-25), perceived barriers (6 items; score range: 6-30), cues to action (4 items; score range: 4-20), self-efficacy (7 items; score range: 7-35), and knowledge (15 items; score range: 0-15). All constructs except perceived barriers were scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Agree (score 5) to Strongly Disagree (score 1), where higher scores indicate more favorable outcomes such as greater perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, self-efficacy, and cues to action. Items related to perceived barriers were reverse scored, so that higher scores indicate fewer perceived barriers. These constructs were measured using validated, researcher-developed questionnaires at baseline and two months after the inte |
Countries
Iran
Outcome results
None listed