Determination of Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Status of Nursing Students

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess nursing students' awareness of sun knowledge and skin cancer. Method: The research is cross-sectional and descriptive. Through the use of an online questionnaire, 272 nursing students provided the study's data. Data were gathered using the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale and a form asking participants to describe their personal information. The statistical application IBM SPSS 26.0 was utilized to analyze the data. Results: The Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale total score (14.51±3.24) was determined to be higher than the middle level. The total score of the scale did not significantly correlate with the students' age, grade level, prior knowledge of skin cancer, or the existence of a family history of the disease (p>0.05). However, there was a significant correlation (p<0.05) between gender and the scale's total score. The students' ages and the scale's overall score did not significantly correlate (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the study's findings, most respondents have knowledge that is above the intermediate level. Even though the study's conclusions paint a generally positive picture, they also demonstrate the need for further development. At this point, more effective community awareness of skin cancer may result from evaluating and updating the methods and content of nursing education programs. Future work could focus on the development of more specific strategies to increase knowledge in this area.