Naslov
Sun behaviour patterns and perception of illness among melanoma patients

Autori
Vurnek Živković, Maja ; Dediol, Iva ; Ljubičić, Ivana ; Šitum, Mirna

Izvornik
JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (0926-9959) 26 (2012), 6; 724-729

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, stručni

Ključne riječi
sun protection ; melanoma ; illness perceptions

Sažetak
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin tumours which accounts for only 3% of all skin cancers, but is responsible for more than 80% of all skin cancer related deaths. One of the major risk factors for melanoma is ultraviolet radiation, which makes sun protection extremely important. Sun protection is a major issue for melanoma patients who, once diagnosed with melanoma, have 500 greater chance of developing another melanoma than the general population. In this study we examined the perception of melanoma, knowledge about ultraviolet radiation and attitudes towards sun protection among melanoma patients and we compared their results with the general population. In total, 168 participants were included in the study: 84 patients suffering from melanoma and 84 participants from the general population. The Sun Behaviour Patterns Questionnaire and the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire were used in this study to assess sun behaviours and perception of melanoma. Melanoma patients have negative attitude towards sunbathing: 61.3% avoid sunbathing and 25% spend time in the sun only during swimming in the sea otherwise seeking shade, while participants in the control group have more positive attitude toward sunbathing and spend more time in the sun. Results indicate too short time of using sunscreen protection during the year and too small number of people using adequate SPF value, in both melanoma and control group. The results show inaccurate perception of melanoma, relatively good knowledge about ultraviolet radiation and slightly negative attitudes towards sun protection among both melanoma patients and the general population. These results will be used to develop an educational programme and to create leaflets and posters about melanoma for the patients, but could also serve as a basis for the health prevention campaign for melanoma.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Psihologija

POVEZANOST RADA