The Role of Self Efficacy and Outcome Expectations in the Use of Skin Cancer Preventive Behaviors in Rural Hispanics of Southwestern Arizona

Abstract

The aims of this DNP project were to evaluate the use of skin cancer preventive behaviors among Hispanic adults within a rural Southwestern Arizona community and to identify the role of self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectations associated with use of skin cancer preventive behaviors within this population. A 42-question survey addressing demographics, skin cancer risk factors, use of skin cancer preventative behaviors, self-efficacy and outcome expectations was developed. The survey was distributed in two primary care clinics in San Luis, Arizona. This survey study included a sample size of 153 Hispanic adults over the age of 18 years old. Findings of this study suggest moderate use of UVR protective behaviors, and minimal use of both CSE and SSE. Use of UVR protective behaviors were associated with skin examination self-efficacy and UVR protection self-efficacy. Results from this project can be used as preliminary data for a prospective intervention study to improve and maintain skin cancer preventive behaviors in Hispanics living in the Southwestern Arizona border area as well as along the entire U.S. –Mexico border. Abbreviations: Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), American Cancer Society (ACS), Clinical Skin Examination (CSE), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Institutional Board Review (IRB), Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC), Primary Investigator (PI), Self-skin examination (SSE), Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR)