Document Detail


Skin self-examination practices in a convenience sample of U.S. university students.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  15533538     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Melanoma skin cancer affects many young adults, yet few practice skin self-examination (SSE). We collected detailed information about young adult SSE practices, which can be used to guide the development of SSE interventions that target this age group. METHODS: We surveyed 190 US university students to assess their SSE practices, including thoroughness of self-exams and reasons for not performing SSE. RESULTS: Just 33.2% of respondents had ever performed SSE, and only 5.8% had checked their entire body. The three most commonly cited reasons for failing to practice SSE were not knowing what to look for (55.9%), never thinking of it (54.3%), and not knowing it should be done (33.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to promote early melanoma detection must raise awareness about the importance of beginning SSE practice in young adulthood and conducting thorough self-exams. They should target all young adults, including those who already practice SSE.
Authors:
Marilyn R Arnold; William DeJong
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Preventive medicine     Volume:  40     ISSN:  0091-7435     ISO Abbreviation:  Prev Med     Publication Date:  2005 Mar 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2004-11-09     Completed Date:  2005-04-05     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0322116     Medline TA:  Prev Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  268-73     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. marnold@hsph.harvard.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Adult
Dermatology / statistics & numerical data
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Health Surveys
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Massachusetts
Melanoma / diagnosis,  prevention & control
Multivariate Analysis
Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
Risk Factors
Self-Examination / statistics & numerical data*
Skin*
Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*,  prevention & control
Students / statistics & numerical data
Universities / statistics & numerical data

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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