Demographics of Skin Cancer Knowledge Among Middle and High Schoolers in Texas

Authors

Dina H Zamil
Shangyi Fu
Zahra Majd
Emily Powell
Jenna H Zamil
Zeena Y Nawas
Ida F Orengo

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal

Dermatology Practical & Conceptual

DOI

10.5826/dpc.1301a14

PMID

36892336

PMCID

PMC9946119

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-1-2023

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

melanoma, education, adolescents, knowledge, demographics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents, an age group that can reduce sun exposure early, may benefit from school-based skin cancer education programs. Literature regarding the demographics of melanoma knowledge is sparse.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate melanoma knowledge among students in Texas viewing John Wayne Cancer Foundation Block the Blaze (JWCFBTB) presentations and identify group differences with regard to sociodemographic factors.

METHODS: Before JWCFBTB presentations delivered in Houston and Dallas by health professions students, a pre-presentation melanoma knowledge quiz was distributed. This survey was adapted from a 2000 study evaluating melanoma knowledge in middle and high schoolers in Houston and Dallas. Respondents were also asked to provide their gender, age, grade, race, parent education level, and whether they are first-generation American. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to evaluate demographic group differences in scores. Logistic regression models determined predictors of answering selected true/false questions correctly.

RESULTS: One-way ANOVA tests showed statistically significant group differences in pre-test scores for all demographic factors evaluated. Females, Whites/Caucasians, students whose parents hold graduate degrees, and older students had higher scores. Black students and non-first-generation Americans were more likely to answer selected commonly missed questions correctly.

CONCLUSIONS: Results from 2000 and 2020-2021 indicate older students from higher grade levels know more about melanoma, suggesting adolescents may benefit from earlier skin cancer education. Racial minorities and individuals of low socioeconomic status, who suffer from disparities in melanoma treatment and mortality, showed poorer melanoma knowledge. Targeting skin cancer education to disadvantaged schools may help remedy such gaps.