Self-efficacy and comfort with partner-assisted skin examination in patients receiving follow-up care for melanoma.
The objective of this study was to examine the role of interpersonal variables on melanoma survivors' self-efficacy for performing skin self-examinations (SSEs) during melanoma follow-up care. Specifically, the impact of comfort with partner assistance for SSE, SSE support received from one's partner, general partner support, relationship satisfaction, as well as partner attendance at a SSE education session, were examined. One hundred and thirty-seven patients with melanoma between the ages of 18 and 70 years, who also reported being involved in a romantic relationship, received a standardized education on SSE, and completed self-report questionnaires. Results indicate that SSE support and SSE comfort predicted patients' SSE self-efficacy. Partner attendance at the SSE education moderated the relationship between SSE comfort and SSE self-efficacy. In other words, SSE self-efficacy was found to be affected by partner attendance at the SSE education only in cases where the patient reported lower levels of comfort having his or her partner assist with SSE. Results highlight the importance of partner involvement in SSE education, as well as patient comfort with a partner's assistance during skin examinations. Findings inform potential modifications to the follow-up care provided to melanoma survivors by demonstrating the importance of partner involvement in SSE education.
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal H3A 1Y2, Canada.
J
J
DiMillo
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal H3A 1Y2, Canada.
D C
DC
Brosseau
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal H3A 1Y2, Canada.
C
C
Gomez-Garibello
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal H3A 1Y2, Canada.
N C
NC
Hall
Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal H3A 2Z7, Canada.
H
H
Ezer
Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal H4A 3J1, Canada.
B
B
Wang
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal H3A 1Y2, Canada.
A
A
Körner
D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods*; D000073116:Cancer Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma; D008875:Middle Aged; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057566:Self Report; D016353:Self-Examination; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D018454:Spouses