Article

Skin Self-Examination: Partner Comfort and Support During Examinations as Predictors of Self-Efficacy in Patients At Risk for Melanoma Recurrence

Julia DiMillo

Nathan Hall

Manish Khanna

Christine Maheu

Annett Körner

skin self-examination, melanoma, patient support, self-efficacy, caregiver support
CJON 2019, 23(4), 397-404. DOI: 10.1188/19.CJON.397-404

Background: Skin self-examination (SSE) is an effective method for melanoma survivors to detect potential cancerous growths sooner.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine whether the SSE self-efficacy of patients with melanoma and their partners is affected by their partners’ comfort and support during skin examinations.

Methods: 100 patient–partner dyads completed a 25-item sociodemographic questionnaire. Fifty-two partners attended an education session with the patient on skin examinations and the early detection of melanoma. All patients attended the education session.

Findings: Having their partners attend the education session, as well as being supportive and comfortable with skin examinations, significantly predicted patients’ self-efficacy with SSEs. In addition, male patients were found to be significantly more comfortable with partner-assisted skin examinations and reported feeling more supported by their partner than female patients.

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