Dataset Information

Educational level-dependent melanoma awareness in a high-risk population in Switzerland.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The worldwide incidence of melanoma has been increasing rapidly in recent decades with Switzerland having one of the highest rates in Europe. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Our objective was to investigate UV protective behavior and melanoma awareness in a high-risk cohort for melanoma.

Methods

In this prospective monocentric study, we assessed general melanoma awareness and UV protection habits in at-risk patients (≥100 nevi, ≥5 dysplastic nevi, known CDKN2A mutation, and/or positive family history) and melanoma patients using questionnaires.

Results

Between 01/2021 and 03/ 2022, a total of 269 patients (53.5% at-risk patients, 46.5% melanoma patients) were included. We observed a significant trend toward using a higher sun protection factor (SPF) in melanoma patients compared with at-risk patients (SPF 50+: 48% [n=60] vs. 26% [n=37]; p=0.0016). Those with a college or university degree used a high SPF significantly more often than patients with lower education levels (p=0.0007). However, higher educational levels correlated with increased annual sun exposure (p=0.041). Neither a positive family history for melanoma, nor gender or Fitzpatrick skin type influenced sun protection behavior. An age of ≥ 50 years presented as a significant risk factor for melanoma development with an odd's ratio of 2.32. Study participation resulted in improved sun protection behavior with 51% reporting more frequent sunscreen use after study inclusion.

Discussion

UV protection remains a critical factor in melanoma prevention. We suggest that melanoma awareness should continue to be raised through public skin cancer prevention campaigns with a particular focus on individuals with low levels of education.

SUBMITTER: Mueller AM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10189064 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Educational level-dependent melanoma awareness in a high-risk population in Switzerland.

Mueller Alina Miriam AM Goessinger Elisabeth Victoria EV Cerminara Sara Elisa SE Kostner Lisa L Amaral Margarida M Huber Stephanie Marie SM Passweg Lea Pauline LP Moreno Laura Garcia LG Bodenmann Daniel D Kunz Michael M Levesque Mitchell Paul MP Maul Julia-Tatjana JT Cheng Phil Fang PF Navarini Alexander Andreas AA Maul Lara Valeska LV

Frontiers in oncology 20230503

<h4>Introduction</h4>The worldwide incidence of melanoma has been increasing rapidly in recent decades with Switzerland having one of the highest rates in Europe. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Our objective was to investigate UV protective behavior and melanoma awareness in a high-risk cohort for melanoma.<h4>Methods</h4>In this prospective monocentric study, we assessed general melanoma awareness and UV protection habits in at-risk patients (≥100 ne ...[more]

PMID: 37207151

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Project description:ImportanceUnderstanding disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness is crucial, given its association with vaccine uptake.ObjectiveTo investigate differences in HPV awareness by educational attainment, race, ethnicity, and their intersectionality.Design, setting, and participantsThis cross-sectional study used the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5 cycles 1 to 4 data (January 26, 2017, to June 15, 2020). The data were analyzed from December 12, 2022, to June 20, 2023. A sample of the noninstitutionalized civilian US population 18 years or older was included in the analysis.Main outcomes and measuresWeighted prevalence of HPV awareness, HPV vaccine awareness, and knowledge that HPV causes cancer, stratified by educational attainment and by race and ethnicity. Interaction between educational attainment and race and ethnicity was assessed using a Wald test.ResultsA total of 15 637 participants had educational attainment data available; of these, 51.2% were women, and the median age was 58 (IQR, 44-69) years. A total of 14 444 participants had race and ethnicity information available; of these, 4.6% were Asian, 13.9% were Black, 15.3% were Hispanic, 62.6% were White, and 3.6% were of other race or ethnicity (including American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and more than 1 race or ethnicity). Awareness of HPV by educational attainment ranged from 40.4% for less than high school to 78.2% for college or higher; awareness by race and ethnicity ranged from 46.9% among Asian individuals to 70.2% among White individuals. Awareness of HPV vaccines across educational attainment ranged from 34.7% among those with less than high school to 74.7% among those with a college degree or higher and by race and ethnicity from 48.4% among Asian individuals to 68.2% among White individuals. Among adults who were aware of HPV, knowledge that HPV causes cervical cancer differed by educational attainment, ranging from 51.7% among those with less than high school to 84.7% among those with a college degree or higher, and by race and ethnicity, ranging from 66.0% among Black individuals to 77.9% among Asian individuals. The interaction between educational attainment and race and ethnicity on HPV awareness and HPV vaccine awareness was not significant; however, within each educational attainment level, awareness differed by race and ethnicity, with the lowest awareness consistently among Asian individuals regardless of educational attainment. Within each racial and ethnic group, HPV awareness and HPV vaccine awareness significantly decreased with decreasing educational attainment.Conclusions and relevanceDisparities in HPV awareness were evident across social factors, with the lowest awareness among Asian individuals and individuals with lower educational attainment. These results emphasize the importance of considering social factors in HPV awareness campaigns to increase HPV vaccination.

Dataset Information

Educational level-dependent melanoma awareness in a high-risk population in Switzerland.

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Publications

Educational level-dependent melanoma awareness in a high-risk population in Switzerland.

Similar Datasets

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