Evaluation of an educational intervention on skin cancer in the context of the covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms, and melanoma is its most aggressive form. It is responsible for most deaths due to its high metastatic potential. The early diagnosis affects the patients’ prognosis and can be encouraged by educating the population regarding self-examination of the skin and recognition of salient characteristics of the lesions. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of an educational video intervention on skin cancer with the application of a questionnaire before and after the intervention. Methods: Prospective quasi-experimental study that included patients assisted in the dermatology service of a public hospital in Belo Horizonte. Results: 196 patients were included. Although most participants recognized the importance of monitoring with a dermatologist (81.1%), most were unaware of melanoma (70.9%). There was a significant change in knowledge about skin neoplasms, especially regarding the ABCDE mnemonic (P<0.01). Conclusions: The educational intervention contributed to increasing significantly the participants’ knowledge about skin cancer. With the contact restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, actions that disseminate information and encourage self-examination of the skin become even more essential for early diagnosis.

Keywords

• knowledge
• dermatology
• education
• melanoma
• skin neoplasms