Can adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors among seafarers be increased via a theory-based mobile phone-based text message intervention? A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background One of the main occupational hazards for seafarers is the long exposure to sunlight. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a mobile phone-based text message intervention in adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors among a sample of seafarers in Genaveh port located in Bushehr province, Iran. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 136 seafarers were randomly selected and assigned to the intervention ( n \u2009=\u200968) or a control groups ( n\u2009= \xa068). As a theoretical basis, we followed the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) variables to develop the text messages. The data related to PMT variables and skin cancer preventive behaviors were collected through a questionnaire. Forty-five text messages were designed, pre-tested and sent to the seafarers’ phones in the intervention group in 45\u2009days. Both groups were followed up 1\xa0month after the intervention. Data collected in the two stages were analyzed using paired-samples t -test, ANCOVA, and Chi-square tests. Results Following the intervention, the mean scores of adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors ( p \u2009=\u20090.001), perceived self-efficacy ( p \u2009=\u20090.01), protection motivation ( p \u2009=\u20090.02), and fear ( p\u2009= \xa00.001) were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. There was significant reduction in the response costs ( p \u2009=\u20090.05) and perceived rewards ( p \u2009=\u20090.01) scores in the intervention group compared with the control group after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences in the perceived vulnerability ( p \u2009=\u20090.14), perceived severity ( p \u2009=\u20090.09), and response efficacy ( p \u2009=\u20090.64) between the two groups after the intervention. Conclusions The results of the study indicated the effectiveness of mobile phone-based text message intervention for increasing skin cancer preventive behaviors in Iranian seafarers. Trial registration Iranian Registry for Clinical Trial (the link to trial: https://www.irct.ir/trial/7572 ). Registered 16 July, 2016. Prospectively registered.