title: A short educational intervention measurably benefits keloid-prone individuals' knowledge of prevention and treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Internet is a commonly utilized health information resource that provides access to information of varying quality.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to evaluate the use of the Internet as a health information resource within a keloid patient population and the effects of an educational intervention on patient knowledge about keloids.<BR>
  
  
  METHODS
  A consecutive convenience sample of subjects completed a questionnaire on keloid-related Internet use and on personal and family history of keloids. Participants listened to a short educational intervention on keloid-related topics followed by assessment of relevant knowledge at baseline, immediately postintervention, and 3 months after the intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 40 participants, 55% reported having used the Internet to obtain keloid-related information. Subjects who had used the Internet to obtain keloid-related information had baseline knowledge similar to those who had not. When subjects were assessed immediately and 3 months postintervention, the intervention improved knowledge that not all raised scars are keloids, that keloids are not cancerous, and that certain areas of the body are more prone to keloid formation. The proportion of subjects who reported being less likely to obtain piercings or tattoos because of the intervention was 80% and 75%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study was performed at a single academic center.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Internet is a commonly used information resource for keloid-prone individuals, but keloid-related knowledge was not greater among Internet keloid-related information seekers. A very short educational intervention benefits keloid-prone individuals by improving knowledge about keloid prevention and treatment and by discouraging them from obtaining piercings and tattoos.
authors: Deparmtent of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors: Sarah Y
authors: SY
authors: Lee
authors: Judy H
authors: JH
authors: Borovicka
authors: Jaimee S
authors: JS
authors: Holbrook
authors: Mary J
authors: MJ
authors: Kwasny
authors: Dennis P
authors: DP
authors: West
authors: Roopal V
authors: RV
authors: Kundu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards*; D007627:Keloid / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult