Retention and Evaluation of Precision and Generic Prevention Materials for Melanoma: A Qualitative Study Comparing Young Adults and Adults

A randomized trial was conducted to examine whether providing precision prevention materials incorporating melanocortin-1 receptor genetic risk information would increase intention to practice melanoma preventive behaviors. Here, we determine retention/evaluation of prevention materials for adolescent and young adults (AYA) 18 to 39 years old versus adults aged 40+ at 6 and 12 months as an a priori adjunct analysis to the primary research question. Using qualitative methodology, open-ended questions probing most important information from prevention materials and additional comments were collected at 6 and 12 months after baseline. Descriptive statistics were performed on demographic/self-reported characteristics. Two independent researchers applied qualitative thematic content analysis to identify major themes in open-ended questions. Of the 1,134 participants randomized, 906 completed at least one of the follow-up surveys and contributed to analyses of intervention efficacy. Five major thematic categories emerged from the open-ended response data: (i) tips and tricks for sun protection; (ii) cancer prevention; (iii) risk factors and genetics; (iv) general information; and (v) intervention comments. Across all ages, the most important information retained were sun protection techniques in the generic prevention materials group and identifying the importance of genetic risk factors/implementing lifestyle behavior changes in the precision prevention materials group. For additional comments, AYA participants in the generic prevention materials group preferred more scientific information including statistics and citations for references while adults were more likely to state they already knew cancer prevention techniques. Results provide unique qualitative evaluation of AYA versus adult retention of prevention materials for melanoma that enhance quantitative findings.

Prevention relevance: It is important to evaluate information within groups defined by periods of the life trajectory, e.g., AYA and adults, to best inform preferences, knowledge, and motivation for behavior change. By assessing retention, evidence-based interventions can be designed to better support public health messaging and encourage positive health behaviors.