Assessing the Use of Educational Interventions Promoting Preventive Measures for Sun Exposure in Rural Guatemala

Background: Sun exposure is a well-known risk factor for skin cancer. Preventative education regarding sun damage protection has been shown to be effective. However, the efficacy of similar interventions in underserved Guatemala is unclear. This study assesses the affect of educational interventions on understanding of sun protective measures among this population. Methods: Participants were adults in Guatemala that attended a free community clinic in February 2024 and were provided a 7-minute educational video in Spanish discussing skin cancers types,warning signs, and sun protection. Patients were administered a 12-question pre-survey using yes or no responses to evaluate baseline understanding. An 8-question post-survey was administered to assess changes in willingness to use sun protection, comfort in identifying warning signs, and understanding of risk factor . Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were performed. Results: 29 participants completed the study. 58.6% were aged 18-30y, 24 (82.8%) were women and 5 (17.2%) were men. After watching the video, participants were more willing to use sun protection methods daily (58.6% pre-intervention vs 96.6% post-intervention; p=0.001), more comfortable with identifying warning signs of skin cancer (3.4% pre-intervention vs 96.6% post-intervention; p<0.001), and had a better understanding of sun exposure as a risk factor for skin cancer irrespective of Fitzpatrick skin type (37.9% pre-intervention vs 96.6% post-intervention; p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients who underwent educational intervention were significantly more likely to implement sun protective measures into their daily routine, were more comfortable identifying skin cancer warning signs, and had a better understanding that all skin types can get skin cancer.