Skin Self-Examination: Partner Comfort and Support During Examinations as Predictors of Self-Efficacy in Patients At Risk for Melanoma Recurrence.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nSkin self-examination (SSE) is an effective method for melanoma survivors to detect potential cancerous growths sooner.\n\n\nOBJECTIVES\nThe purpose of this study was to examine whether the SSE self-efficacy of patients with melanoma and their partners is affected by their partners comfort and support during skin examinations.\n\n\nMETHODS\n100 patient-partner dyads completed a 25-item sociodemographic questionnaire. Fifty-two partners attended an education session with the patient on skin examinations and the early detection of melanoma. All patients attended the education session.\n\n\nFINDINGS\nHaving their partners attend the education session, as well as being supportive and comfortable with skin examinations, significantly predicted patients self-efficacy with SSEs. In addition, male patients were found to be significantly more comfortable with partner-assisted skin examinations and reported feeling more supported by their partner than female patients.