Efficacy of a partner assistance intervention designed to increase skin self-examination performance.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the role of partner assistance in learning and implementation of an intervention designed to promote skin self-examination (SSE) behaviors in persons at risk of developing melanoma.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial with immediate and 4-month follow-up visits.


METHODS
Clinical offices in the ambulatory care area of a hospital. Patients The study included 130 participants and their cohabiting partners drawn from a melanoma registry. Intervention The subjects were randomly assigned to receive the intervention either as solo learning or as dyadic learning. The intervention consisted of a 10-minute demonstration of the ABCDE (asymmetry of shape, border irregularity, color variegation, diameter > or =6 mm, and evolution of the lesion) rule and skills training.


METHODS
Behavioral measures included self-reported performance of SSE and use of a body map designed to record areas of concern found during SSE. Intentions, along with attitudinal measures such as perceived importance of SSE and self-efficacy in performing SSE, were also assessed at the 4-month follow-up visit.


RESULTS
The participants in the dyadic learning group were significantly more likely to report engaging in SSE behaviors (P<.05). The dyadic learning group also exhibited greater intentions to perform future SSE (P<.01), higher perceived importance of SSE (P<.01), and higher perceived self-efficacy (P<.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Dyadic learning may be more effective than solo learning in regard to interventions designed to teach and promote health behaviors, such as SSE.
Robinson
June K
JK
Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. wtbjkr@rcn.com
Turrisi
Rob
R
Stapleton
Jerod
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002641:Chicago; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care; D016353:Self-Examination; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018454:Spouses