A Trial Online Educational Melanoma Program Aimed at the Hispanic Population Improves Knowledge and Behaviors.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hispanic individuals who suffer from melanoma are diagnosed later and have a worse prognosis. Because the Hispanic population is one of the fastest growing in the United States, it is important to spread awareness of melanoma. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate whether an online educational video about skin cancer could improve knowledge about melanoma and encourage self-skin examinations (SSE). METHODS: The authors directed Hispanic patients to an online survey, which assessed for knowledge about melanoma risk factors and prevention. This was followed by a 5-minute online video about melanoma. A second survey was sent immediately after the video, and a third survey was sent 1 month later. All project materials were in Spanish and available online. RESULTS: Eighty-six participants completed the full experiment. After watching the online video, a significantly higher proportion of participants provided correct answers for melanoma risk factors and prevention techniques. A similar increase was seen in the number of individuals who reported performing SSEs. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that an online educational video targeted at the Hispanic population has potential to improve melanoma awareness. This type of intervention may lead to earlier diagnosis and better prognosis for Hispanic individuals.