Dermatol Surg. 2021 Jul 1;47(7):926-930. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003093.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS) program addresses an unmet need by training medical students to teach adolescents about skin cancer prevention and early detection.
OBJECTIVE: To measure (1) changes in adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding sun protection and (2) the impact on medical students’ confidence in skin cancer preventive counseling.
METHODS: Pre-SPOTS and 1-month post-SPOTS program surveys were completed by adolescent participants and medical student instructors.
RESULTS: Amongst adolescent students, analysis of 1,142 pre-program surveys and 618 post-program surveys revealed statistically significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Among the favorable results, 26%, 41%, and 20% improvements over baseline were observed in SPF knowledge, preference for natural untanned skin, and intent to wear sunscreen, respectively (p < .001). One-third of adolescents reported having tried to increase sunscreen use. Amongst medical students, analysis of 78 pre-teaching and 74 post-teaching surveys revealed an increase in feeling “very confident” in counseling patients, from 23% pre-teaching to 82% post-teaching (p < .001).
CONCLUSION: SPOTS demonstrated a dual benefit to adolescents and medical students. The program is available for dermatologists to implement in their communities.
PMID:34167128 | DOI:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003093
