Educational Intervention on Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors Among Female Healthcare Workers

This clinical trial study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in health centers of Ahvaz, Iran, to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in promoting skin cancer protective behaviors among female healthcare workers (HCWs). The study employed a two-group parallel design, randomly allocating 160 participants into an intervention group (n=54) and a comparison group (n=106). Eligible participants included female HCWs employed in the selected centers, with smartphone access and the ability to engage with digital educational content. The educational program was developed according to HBM constructs, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The intervention consisted of seven 45-minute sessions delivered over two months using a blended approach combining in-person workshops and WhatsApp-based virtual education. Teaching methods included lectures, multimedia presentations, group discussions, motivational messaging, and reminder posters strategically placed in the workplace. The content was tailored based on baseline knowledge and behavioral assessments. Early sessions addressed skin cancer symptoms, risk factors, and complications to raise awareness and perceived risk. Subsequent sessions emphasized the advantages of protective behaviors, addressed and sought to reduce perceived barriers, and incorporated stress management and motivational techniques to enhance self-efficacy. Data collection employed a validated researcher-designed questionnaire covering demographic variables, knowledge about skin cancer, HBM constructs, and adherence to UV protective behaviors. Assessments were performed at baseline and two months post-intervention. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests for categorical variables, and independent and paired t-tests to compare continuous variables within and between groups. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlled for confounding factors when evaluating intervention effects.