From Sunbeds to Sunscreen: A Curriculum Empowering Oregon Adolescents to Take Charge of Their Skin Health
Description
Background: Early intervention is key to early detection and reduction of melanoma morbidity and mortality. Oregon currently has no formal statewide, high school-based educational curriculum addressing prevention and early detection of melanoma. Objective: To design and test the effects of a multimedia high-school education curriculum on knowledge, attitudes, and intentions correlated with melanoma primary prevention behaviors and early detection. Methods: A 50-minute curriculum was designed using evidence-based learning theories. Students received pre- and post-surveys to measure knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral change intention. Data was collected and analyzed from 162 students during 2020-2021 and 531 students in 2021-22. Results: Students demonstrated significant improvement in their knowledge of melanoma and sun safety in both phases of curriculum implementation. Significant increases in attitudes and confidence in performing sun-safe behaviors were also found. Conclusion: Our curriculum intervention successfully improved knowledge, attitudes, and intentions around melanoma and sun safety among high school students across Oregon.