KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARDS MELANOMA IN PATIENTS WITH MELANOMA: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

A correlational cross-sectional research design was conducted to examine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding melanoma in patients diagnosed with melanoma.The study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding melanoma in patients diagnosed with melanoma. It was hypothesized that knowledge had significant positive correlation with attitude and protective practices, and demographic factors influence KAP levels. Sample size was calculated from Gpower, consisted of (N= 85) melanoma patients. Sampling technique used to recruit sample was non probability purposive sampling through dermatology and oncology departments of public and private hospitals of Lahore.Standardized KAP questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practices. Structured information sheets were used to collect demographic and clinical data.Pearson product moment correlation was used to explore the relationships between knowledge, attitudes and practices. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine the predictive relationship of knowledge and attitude with practices and independent sample t-tests and ANOVA were used to evaluate differences across demographic groups.

The findings showed that knowledge and attitude and preventive practices were positively correlated. Those with greater knowledge about melanoma also demonstrated more positive attitudes and were more prone to act in a protective manner, such as skin self examination and sun protection. There was a significant negative correlation between age and knowledge, attitudes and practices, with older patients having lower levels of KAP. Knowledge and attitudes were important predictors of preventive practices. KAP levels were also significantly different across some of the selected demographic and clinical characteristics. The findings emphasize the significance of educational interventions and awareness programs aimed at enhancing patients’ knowledge, positive attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to melanoma. These results have real implications for developing targeted health education strategies to improve early detection, prevention and self-management of melanoma in the Pakistani population.