Knowledge, attitude, and performance of students toward skin cancer in Yazd, 2009.

BACKGROUND

Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major and growing health concern in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), and skin cancers are the most prevalent cancers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and performance of university students regarding skin cancer.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 230 samples selected randomly from the students of Yazd universities. The reliability of the questionnaire was certified by specialists, validated by a pilot study, and confirmed by Alpha Cronbachs test (α = 0.8). SPSS software was used for data entry, manipulation, and analysis.

RESULTS

The students studied had medium knowledge level related to skin cancer. Their attitude towards skin cancer was relatively good. The performance level of the population under study was moderate. Non-medical students had more poor knowledge, attitude, and performance than medical students. Overall results show a significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, and performance level of the population under study.

CONCLUSION

Skin cancers are the most common form of cancers in our state, but my students do not have appropriate knowledge and performance levels about this disease. It is therefore proposed that related information should be given to them during continuous and regular educational programs.