Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS)—Evaluating the Efficacy of Skin Cancer Prevention Education for Adolescents

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.