title: Skin cancer knowledge and prevention counseling among Arizona pharmacists.
abstract: Skin cancer is particularly prevalent in Arizona, with incidence rates ranking number 2 worldwide. This study assessed pharmacists' knowledge of skin cancer and factors that impacted skin cancer prevention patient counseling. Participants were recruited using a listserv of pharmacists that were members of the Arizona Pharmacy Alliance (AzPA) or preceptors of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. Subjects completed an online questionnaire consisting of knowledge-based questions, questions about patient counseling preferences, and subject demographics. The mean correct score on the Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure Knowledge Indicator was 5.8 ± 1.9. Pharmacists living in Arizona for longer duration were more likely to know the minimum recommended sunscreen sun protection factor (SPF) for adults when outdoors (P = .003) and factors associated with malignant melanoma prognosis/survival (P = .004) but were less likely to know the definition of ABCD acronym (P = .027). Having a family or friend diagnosed with any form of skin cancer or precancerous skin condition led to more pharmacists knowing the risk factors for developing melanoma (P = .046) and knowing how often to apply water resistant sunscreen (P = .035). In conclusion, the length of pharmacy practice in Arizona and having a family member or close friend affected by skin cancer significantly impacted a pharmacists' knowledge of skin cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. armstrong@pharmacy.arizona.edu
authors.forename: Edward P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Allen
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vincent
mesh_terms: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001130:Arizona; D003376:Counseling; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010595:Pharmacists; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D013473:Sunscreening Agents