Effectiveness of Training Program about Skin Self-examination on Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes of Outdoor Campus Security Personnel

Bauomy, Eman Samy; Abd Alla, Heba Gad Alla Ali; El- Gilany, Abdel-Hady; El-Refaay, Eman R.

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2025.435945

Effectiveness of Training Program about Skin Self-examination on Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes of Outdoor Campus Security Personnel

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer, Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

² Professor of Public Health, Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/tsnj.2025.435945

Abstract

Background: Outdoor workers are a high-risk group for certain types of skin
cancer due to their routine and unavoidable sun exposure as part of their job
responsibilities. Practicing effective skin self-examination (SSE) is essential for
early detection and management of skin cancer. This study aimed to assess the
effect of a training program about SSE on knowledge, self-reported practices,
and attitudes of outdoor campus security personnel. Method: A quasi-
experimental design was used, involving all 156 outdoor security personnel at
Mansoura University Campus. Data were collected before and one month after a
training program using four tools: two structured questionnaires covering the
socio-demographic & general characteristics of the security personnel, skin
health history and sun exposure, and knowledge about SSE; a self-reported SSE
practice scale; and an attitude scale. Results: Median scores increased
significantly after the training program: knowledge (7 to 31), self-reported SSE
practices (0 to 44), and attitudes (20 to 32) (P ≤ 0.001). Significant positive
correlations were found in the pre-test between knowledge and both practices
and attitudes scores (P < 0.001), and between practices and attitudes scores in
both the pre-test (P < 0.001) and post-test (P = 0.018). Conclusions:
Implementing the SSE training program for outdoor campus security personnel
positively improves their knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practice.
Recommendations: Incorporating periodic SSE training into occupational
health and safety programs for outdoor campus security personnel can sustain
knowledge, practices, and attitudes, potentially reducing future skin cancer
incidence.