Skin Cancer Prevention Education in Young Adults

Abstract

Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to implement an in-person educational intervention to increase skin cancer awareness and enhance preventive measures among young adults between 18-25 years old at a campus health center in Tucson, Arizona.Background: Skin cancer is a substantial public health concern and is among one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer. Young adults are considered a high-risk population. Evidence supports the use of education and behavioral counseling to enhance skin cancer prevention in young adults. This project focused on skin cancer statistics, risks, and prevention. Methods: This QI project was conducted over two days at the University of Arizona Campus Health Center in Tucson, Arizona. The intervention included an in-person educational PowerPoint presentation about skin cancer and recommendations on how to minimize exposure to UV radiation. All University of Arizona students between 18-25 years old were invited to participate. Data collection was achieved using a single online pre/post-intervention survey through Qualtrics. Demographic data collection was limited to gender and age; a 5-point Likert scale format was used to assess awareness and intention before and after the intervention. The survey collected information on demographics, intention, and knowledge. Data analysis was performed by the project director (PD) using descriptive statistics of the collected data through Qualtrics and an Excel spreadsheet. Results: This project had a total sample size of 14 participants. Demographic data was limited to gender and age. A 5-point Likert scale format was used to evaluate participants’ likelihood to implement skin cancer prevention practices and awareness of skin cancer risks and facts prior to and after the intervention. Conclusions: This QI project effectively implemented an in-person educational intervention and evaluated its effectiveness using a pre/post-intervention survey. The results suggest that educational interventions about skin cancer and prevention can improve skin cancer awareness and intent to practice UV-protective behaviors.