The Effect of Lifestyle Education on Improving Skin Cancer Prevention Behaviors

The prevalence of skin cancer is increasing all over the world, especially in Iran; however, this cancer is preventable by several protective measures like lifestyle changes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lifestyle education on preventing skin cancer behaviors in Urmia midwifery students. Materials and Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 100 midwifery students (50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group) were enrolled. The research sample was selected using stratified ran-dom sampling method. The data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Educational inter-vention was administered in three 45 min sessions. The study data were collected through direct inter-views once before and then three months after the intervention. The obtained data were analyzed by the Independent t-test and paired t-test.Results The mean scores of knowledge and attitude in the intervention group increased compared to those in the control group after the intervention. Also, some difference, but not significant was observed in the control group. Finally, the mean scores of skin cancer prevention behavior in the intervention group signifi-cantly increased compared to the control group. Conclusion Regular and planned education can be effective in promoting skin cancer prevention behaviors.