Melanoma Perception in People of Color: A Targeted Educational Intervention

Abstract

Background

Although melanoma is more common in non-Hispanic Whites, ethnic minorities face a greater risk of melanoma-related mortality, which may be partially attributed to presentation at atypical sites and a lack of awareness.

Objective

Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of a melanoma educational intervention targeted towards people of color.

Design

Participants received one of two scripted melanoma educational interventions in the summer of 2015. They completed surveys before the intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 2 months post-intervention.

Setting

Dermatology clinic at an academic hospital.

Participants

A consecutive sample of 100 participants who self-identified as African American, Asian, or Hispanic were recruited following their dermatology visit. In total, 70 participants completed the 2-month follow-up questionnaire.

Intervention

The comparison intervention group received an educational intervention using a conventional pamphlet on the 'ABCDEs' (Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, Evolution) of melanoma. The targeted intervention group received a modified pamphlet that included a skin of color section, the nomenclature "melanoma skin cancer", and an image of an individual performing a skin self-examination with the help of a friend.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Melanoma knowledge, perceived risk for developing melanoma, and skin self-examination practices were assessed through self-reported questionnaires.

Results

Among the 100 participants, 78% self-identified as African American, 11% as Asian, and 11% as Hispanic. Both groups experienced a similar increase in melanoma knowledge that was retained at 2 months. Perceived personal risk for developing melanoma increased more in the targeted intervention group immediately post-intervention (p = 0.015), but this difference no longer existed between the groups at the 2-month follow-up. The targeted intervention group also demonstrated a greater increase in skin self-examinations (p = 0.048) and knowledge of warning signs to look for when examining the skin (p = 0.002) at the 2-month follow-up.

Conclusions and Relevance

The educational intervention targeted towards people of color resulted in increased skin self-examinations. Educational material that is relevant to ethnic minorities may better promote early detection and help to decrease the disparity in melanoma-related morality rates.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT02437305.

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