Malignant melanoma: knowledge and behavior of 9th grade students in 9th grade in the S. Joao Health Centre

Abstract

Objectives: To assess behaviour associated with exposure to sunlight and the level of knowledge about malignant melanoma of 9th grade students of the São João health Centre area; to search for an association between behaviour and knowledge; and to identify population characteristics associated to adequate preventive procedures about skin cancer. Setting: Secondary schools Patrício Prazeres, Cesário Verde, Luís António Verney and Olaias (Lisbon). Methods: Observational analytic study. A previously tested questionnaire was answered by 308 students. Gender, age, phototype, skin reaction to solar exposure, information n skin cancer, cancer family history, concerns about skin cancer, motivation for tanning preventive behaviours and knowledge levels were evaluated. Results:299 students questionnaires were evaluated (149 girls and 150 boys, ages 14-20, mean 15.3). Preventive behaviour was considered satisfactory and na average level of knowledge about skin cancer was found. No association between knowledge and behaviour was found. Population characteristics seemingly influencing preventive behaviour were gender, phototype, skin reaction o solar exposure, cancer family history and motivation for tanning. Discussion: Absence of association between knowledge and behaviour and the results found in females (less adequate preventive behaviour, more knowledge and concern about skin cancer, more motivation for tanning) agree with the results of other studies.