Educational Intervention on Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors Among Female Healthcare Workers

NCT ID: NCT07139119

Last Updated: 2025-08-24

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

160 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2022-12-31

Study Completion Date

2023-12-28

Brief Summary

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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

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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

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Promoting Skin Cancer Protective Behaviors

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

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.
Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Arm 1: Intervention Group

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.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

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

Intervention Type 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 2: Control Group

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.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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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

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* 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.

Exclusion Criteria

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

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Arash Salahshouri

Faculty member

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Arash Salahshouri, Ph.D.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Locations

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Ahwaz West Health Center

Ahvāz, Khouzestan, Iran

Site Status

Countries

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Iran

Other Identifiers

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IR.AJUMS.REC.1401.129

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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