Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS) - Evaluating the Efficacy of Skin Cancer Prevention Education for Adolescents

Sofia B. Chaudhry, Eric S. Armbrecht, Mitchell Gibbons, M. Laurin Council, Alex Knutson, Stephanie Lickerman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND The Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS) program addresses an unmet need by training medical students to teach adolescents about skin cancer prevention and early detection. OBJECTIVE To measure (1) changes in adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding sun protection and (2) the impact on medical students' confidence in skin cancer preventive counseling. METHODS Pre-SPOTS and 1-month post-SPOTS program surveys were completed by adolescent participants and medical student instructors. RESULTS Amongst adolescent students, analysis of 1,142 pre-program surveys and 618 post-program surveys revealed statistically significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Among the favorable results, 26%, 41%, and 20% improvements over baseline were observed in SPF knowledge, preference for natural untanned skin, and intent to wear sunscreen, respectively (p <.001). One-third of adolescents reported having tried to increase sunscreen use. Amongst medical students, analysis of 78 pre-teaching and 74 post-teaching surveys revealed an increase in feeling "very confident"in counseling patients, from 23% pre-teaching to 82% post-teaching (p <.001). CONCLUSIONSPOTS demonstrated a dual benefit to adolescents and medical students. The program is available for dermatologists to implement in their communities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)926-930
Number of pages5
JournalDermatologic Surgery
Volume47
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2021

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