Pardo, Janeth Noguera

Skin cancer remains a significant public health concern due to limited knowledge of prevention and early detection. Late diagnoses contribute to substantial financial burdens and loss of life. This quality improvement project aimed to improve skin health outcomes and reduce serious diagnoses, such as melanoma, by increasing awareness of prevention and early detection strategies. Targeting a racially and ethnically diverse adult population in the Belle Glade community, the initiative promoted educational interventions, emphasizing modifiable behaviors such as regular sunscreen use and performing skin self-examinations (SSE). A total of 24 participants were recruited at community health fairs for this eight-week project. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessed sun exposure habits, willingness to increase sun protection, and SSE practices. The mean pre-intervention SEPI tool I score was 14 (out of 32), indicating significant UV exposure and limited sun protection behaviors. Post-intervention, the SEPI tool II mean decreased to 4 (out of 20), reflecting an improvement in sun protection behavioral practices. Additionally, SSE adherence improved from 29.2% pre-intervention to 83.3% post-intervention, with sunscreen use rising to 87.5% by the project’s end. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of providing education on the ABCDEs of melanoma, performing SSE, and implementing sun protection strategies. Promoting these behavioral changes can aid in preventing future melanoma diagnoses and facilitate earlier treatment, underscoring the importance of integrating such interventions in community health initiatives.