Skin self-examination in a population at increased risk for skin cancer

Am J Prev Med. 1993 Nov-Dec;9(6):359-64.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined predictors of skin self-examination (SSE) in a population at increased risk for skin cancer. Subjects were 384 hospital employees participating in a worksite skin cancer screening. Although 61% reported that they performed SSE at least once during the past year, only 20% reported monthly SSE. Only a minority of the subjects were knowledgeable about most of the recommended SSE steps. Based on behavioral self-regulation theory, multivariate analysis showed that a variety of psychological factors (including optimism, knowledge about SSE, perceived self-efficacy, and number of reasons for doing SSE) correlated positively with frequency of SSE. Demographic variables accounted for about 6% of the variance in frequency of SSE. Overall, the variables in this model accounted for about 25% of the variance.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Causality
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personnel, Hospital*
  • Risk Factors
  • Self-Examination*
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Texas