Educational Intervention on Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors Among Female Healthcare Workers

NCT07139119 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: IR.AJUMS.REC.1401.129
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 160
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Promoting Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors

Keywords

Educational intervention; Health Belief Model; Cancer; Skin cancer; Healthcare Workers

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Changes in Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors

  Skin cancer protective behaviors among female healthcare workers were assessed using a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire. The instrument included multiple items evaluating behaviors such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing (wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, gloves), and using sunglasses. Responses were measured on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ("Never") to 5 ("Always"). Protective behaviors were expressed as the average score across items, with higher scores indicating more frequent and consistent engagement in skin cancer prevention practices.

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and 2 months post-intervention.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Changes in Cognitive-Behavioral Constructs Related to Skin Cancer Prevention

  Before and two months after the intervention

Study Arms (2)

Arm 1: Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Female healthcare workers participated in a multilevel educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) to enhance skin cancer protective behaviors. The program consisted of seven 45-minute sessions delivered both face-to-face and virtually via WhatsApp. The sessions focused on improving knowledge and modifying HBM construct. Educational materials included pamphlets, video clips, group discussions, and motivational messages. Reminders and posters were used in the workplace to reinforce learning and encourage sustained behavior change.

Behavioral: Health Belief Model-Based Educational Program for Skin Cancer Prevention Among Female Healthcare Workers

Arm 2: Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in the control group did not receive any educational intervention during the study period. They continued with their usual work routine and standard health education programs available at their workplaces. Assessments of their knowledge, health beliefs, and protective behaviors related to skin cancer were conducted at baseline and two months later to serve as a comparison for evaluating the effectiveness of the intervention.

Interventions

Health Belief Model-Based Educational Program for Skin Cancer Prevention Among Female Healthcare Workers BEHAVIORAL

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

Arm 1: Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Employment at Ahvaz healthcare centers,
• Absence of specific dermatological conditions,
• Provision of informed consent,
• Having a smartphone and knowing how to use it, and
• Non-participation in concurrent similar educational interventions.

You may not qualify if:

• Absence from more than two training sessions,
• Physical limitations preventing further participation,
• Incomplete or invalid questionnaire .

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ahwaz West Health Center

Ahvāz, Khouzestan, 6155745474, Iran

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neoplasms; Skin Neoplasms

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neoplasms by Site; Skin Diseases; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Study Officials

• Arash Salahshouri, Ph.D.

  Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Faculty member

Model Details: This study uses a parallel-group quasi-experimental design, where female healthcare workers are assigned to either an intervention group or a comparison group. Both groups were followed concurrently over a two-month period. The intervention group received a multicomponent blended educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), delivered through face-to-face sessions and WhatsApp messaging. The comparison group did not receive any educational intervention. Outcomes related to skin cancer knowledge, Health Belief Model constructs, and protective behaviors against ultraviolet radiation were measured and compared at baseline and two months post-intervention. This design allows a direct evaluation of the intervention's effectiveness compared to usual conditions without educational input.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 17, 2025
• First Posted: August 24, 2025
• Study Start: December 31, 2022
• Primary Completion: October 20, 2023
• Study Completion: December 28, 2023
• Last Updated: August 24, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Locations

IR (1)