Educational Intervention on Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors Among Female Healthcare Workers

Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Status: Completed

Conditions: Promoting Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors

Treatments: Behavioral: Health Belief Model-Based Educational Program for Skin Cancer Prevention Among Female Healthcare Workers

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07139119

IR.AJUMS.REC.1401.129

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess whether an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) can effectively improve skin cancer protective behaviors, knowledge, and related health beliefs among female healthcare workers in Ahvaz, Iran. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does the HBM-based educational program increase participants' knowledge about skin cancer, its risk factors, and preventive measures?
• Does the intervention improve key HBM constructs such as perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action, leading to enhanced protective behaviors against skin cancer?

Researchers will compare an intervention group receiving a multicomponent educational program-including seven 45-minute sessions delivered both in-person and via WhatsApp-tailored to HBM constructs, with a comparison group receiving no intervention, to determine the intervention's effectiveness.

Participants will:

• Attend structured educational sessions covering skin cancer symptoms, risks, prevention strategies, behavioral barriers, motivation, and self-efficacy enhancement, using multimedia tools and group discussions
• Receive reminder messages and educational materials to facilitate behavior change
• Complete validated questionnaires assessing knowledge, HBM constructs, and protective behaviors before the intervention and two months afterwards

This study will evaluate if implementing a theory-driven, blended educational intervention can successfully promote protective behaviors and health beliefs related to skin cancer prevention among female healthcare workers.

Full description

This clinical trial study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in health centers of Ahvaz, Iran, to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in promoting skin cancer protective behaviors among female healthcare workers (HCWs). The study employed a two-group parallel design, randomly allocating 160 participants into an intervention group (n=54) and a comparison group (n=106). Eligible participants included female HCWs employed in the selected centers, with smartphone access and the ability to engage with digital educational content.

The educational program was developed according to HBM constructs, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The intervention consisted of seven 45-minute sessions delivered over two months using a blended approach combining in-person workshops and WhatsApp-based virtual education. Teaching methods included lectures, multimedia presentations, group discussions, motivational messaging, and reminder posters strategically placed in the workplace.

The content was tailored based on baseline knowledge and behavioral assessments. Early sessions addressed skin cancer symptoms, risk factors, and complications to raise awareness and perceived risk. Subsequent sessions emphasized the advantages of protective behaviors, addressed and sought to reduce perceived barriers, and incorporated stress management and motivational techniques to enhance self-efficacy.

Data collection employed a validated researcher-designed questionnaire covering demographic variables, knowledge about skin cancer, HBM constructs, and adherence to UV protective behaviors. Assessments were performed at baseline and two months post-intervention.

Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests for categorical variables, and independent and paired t-tests to compare continuous variables within and between groups. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlled for confounding factors when evaluating intervention effects.

Enrollment: 160 patients

Sex: Female

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Employment at Ahvaz healthcare centers,
• Absence of specific dermatological conditions,
• Provision of informed consent,
• Having a smartphone and knowing how to use it, and
• Non-participation in concurrent similar educational interventions.

Exclusion criteria

• Absence from more than two training sessions,
• Physical limitations preventing further participation,
• Incomplete or invalid questionnaire .

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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160 participants in 2 patient groups

Arm 1: Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

Female healthcare workers participated in a multilevel educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) to enhance skin cancer protective behaviors. The program consisted of seven 45-minute sessions delivered both face-to-face and virtually via WhatsApp. The sessions focused on improving knowledge and modifying HBM construct. Educational materials included pamphlets, video clips, group discussions, and motivational messages. Reminders and posters were used in the workplace to reinforce learning and encourage sustained behavior change.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Health Belief Model-Based Educational Program for Skin Cancer Prevention Among Female Healthcare Workers

Arm 2: Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in the control group did not receive any educational intervention during the study period. They continued with their usual work routine and standard health education programs available at their workplaces. Assessments of their knowledge, health beliefs, and protective behaviors related to skin cancer were conducted at baseline and two months later to serve as a comparison for evaluating the effectiveness of the intervention.