NCT07139119

Educational Intervention on Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors Among Female Healthcare Workers

Impact of a Health Belief Model-Based Educational Intervention on Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors Among Female Healthcare Workers

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 160 (actual)
• Sponsor: Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: —
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess whether an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) can effectively improve skin cancer protective behaviors, knowledge, and related health beliefs among female healthcare workers in Ahvaz, Iran. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the HBM-based educational program increase participants' knowledge about skin cancer, its risk factors, and preventive measures? * Does the intervention improve key HBM constructs such as perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action, leading to enhanced protective behaviors against skin cancer? Researchers will compare an intervention group receiving a multicomponent educational program-including seven 45-minute sessions delivered both in-person and via WhatsApp-tailored to HBM constructs, with a comparison group receiving no intervention, to determine the intervention's effectiveness. Participants will: * Attend structured educational sessions covering skin cancer symptoms, risks, prevention strategies, behavioral barriers, motivation, and self-efficacy enhancement, using multimedia tools and group discussions * Receive reminder messages and educational materials to facilitate behavior change * Complete validated questionnaires assessing knowledge, HBM constructs, and protective behaviors before the intervention and two months afterwards This study will evaluate if implementing a theory-driven, blended educational intervention can successfully promote protective behaviors and health beliefs related to skin cancer prevention among female healthcare workers.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Promoting Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Health Belief Model-Based Educational Program for Skin Cancer Prevention Among Female Healthcare Workers	This blended educational intervention employs the Health Belief Model (HBM) to promote skin cancer preventive behaviors in female healthcare workers in Ahvaz, Iran. The 7-session program (each 45 minutes) combines in-person training with WhatsApp-based follow-ups. Participant Components: * Structured sessions targeting knowledge and HBM constructs such as perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. * Use of multimedia tools including videos, pamphlets, and interactive discussions. * Motivational messaging, stress management clips, and role-modeling techniques to build self-efficacy. * Visual cues such as posters placed in healthcare workplaces. * Daily reminder messages to reinforce behavior change. Unique aspects distinguishing this intervention include its specific tailoring for female healthcare workers in a high UV-exposure region, the combined digital and face-to-face delivery approach, and comprehensive focus on all HBM construc

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-12-31
• Primary completion: 2023-10-20
• Completion: 2023-12-28
• First posted: 2025-08-24
• Last updated: 2025-08-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Iran