Demographics of Skin Cancer Knowledge Among Middle and High Schoolers in Texas

Dina Zamil; Shangyi Fu; Zahra Majd; Emily Powell; Jenna Zamil; Zeena  Nawas; Ida  Orengo

doi:10.5826/dpc.1301a14

Demographics of Skin Cancer Knowledge Among Middle and High Schoolers in Texas

Authors

Dina Zamil Baylor College of Medicine, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
Shangyi Fu Baylor College of Medicine, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, US
Zahra Majd University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, Houston, TX, US
Emily Powell Integrated Dermatology of Ponchatoula, Los Angeles, CA, US
Jenna Zamil University of Houston, Honors Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Program, Houston, TX, US
Zeena Nawas Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Houston, TX, US
Ida Orengo Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Houston, TX, US

Keywords:

melanoma, education, adolescents, knowledge, demographics

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents, an age group that can reduce sun exposure early, may benefit from school-based skin cancer education programs. Literature regarding the demographics of melanoma knowledge is sparse.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate melanoma knowledge among students in Texas viewing John Wayne Cancer Foundation Block the Blaze (JWCFBTB) presentations and identify group differences with regard to sociodemographic factors.

Methods: Before JWCFBTB presentations delivered in Houston and Dallas by health professions students, a pre-presentation melanoma knowledge quiz was distributed. This survey was adapted from a 2000 study evaluating melanoma knowledge in middle and high schoolers in Houston and Dallas. Respondents were also asked to provide their gender, age, grade, race, parent education level, and whether they are first-generation American. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to evaluate demographic group differences in scores. Logistic regression models determined predictors of answering selected true/false questions correctly.

Results: One-way ANOVA tests showed statistically significant group differences in pre-test scores for all demographic factors evaluated. Females, Whites/Caucasians, students whose parents hold graduate degrees, and older students had higher scores. Black students and non-first-generation Americans were more likely to answer selected commonly missed questions correctly.

Conclusions: Results from 2000 and 2020-2021 indicate older students from higher grade levels know more about melanoma, suggesting adolescents may benefit from earlier skin cancer education. Racial minorities and individuals of low socioeconomic status, who suffer from disparities in melanoma treatment and mortality, showed poorer melanoma knowledge. Targeting skin cancer education to disadvantaged schools may help remedy such gaps.

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