Factors affecting knowledge levels of oncology nurses about skin cancer and sun protection.

OBJECTIVE

This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study that determines the factors affecting the knowledge levels of oncology nurses for skin cancer and sun protection.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was performed on the members of the Turkish Oncology Nursing Association and oncology nurses working in hospitals in Turkey between November 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected by using the Nurse Information Form and Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge (SCSK) scale. For data analysis, average and percentage calculations and multiple linear regression analyses were used. The significance level was set at p < .05.

RESULTS

We found those female nurses who were above 40 years of age and having darker skin tone due to excessive sun exposure, with a family history of skin cancer, and educated on skin cancer, performed better on the SCSK scale. We found a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of skin cancer and sun exposure. Using multiple regression analysis, a model was created based on the relationship between variables. In this model, the personality traits of oncology nurses are responsible for higher (91.1%) knowledge levels on skin cancer and sun exposure.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is important to consider factors that will influence an individual's behaviour while developing skin cancer and sun protection programmes.