Abstract B038: Developing and refining a digital skin cancer intervention among Hispanics

Abstract Background: Over the last 20 years, the incidence of melanoma in Hispanic populations has increased by 20%. The mortality rate of Hispanics is higher compared to non-Hispanic whites. In general, compared to NHW, Hispanics diagnosed with melanoma are younger, have thicker tumors, and have worse survival rates. Skin cancer can be prevented with regular sun protection, and early detection can improve skin cancer outcomes. This study aimed to refine and develop a culturally relevant mobile-based skin cancer prevention intervention for Hispanics through group and individual interviews. Methods: Three focus groups of Hispanics at risk for skin cancer and eight individual interviews with key stakeholders, including healthcare providers and community leaders, were conducted via Zoom. Participants were shown culturally relevant messages developed from previous community interviews and provided further feedback to improve and enhance both the messages and intervention design. The interviews lasted for 60-90 minutes and participants received up to $70 electronic gift cards as an incentive. Results: The focus group (two in English and one in Spanish) participants (n=18), aged 18 to 60 years (M=30). Of these participants, 61.1% were female (n=11), and half reported having an educational level lower than a bachelor's degree. Additionally, more than half of the group indicated a household income below $50,000. Among the eight individual interviews with healthcare providers and community leaders, the participants aged from 18 to 56 and reported being family workers, student group leaders, church leaders, and nurses. Emerging themes from the interviews included: 1) messages and images developed from previous community interviews were relatable and informative; 2) the majority favored visuals with text, and preferred a combination of human and cartoon images; 3) information related to general sun protection and skin examination, such as melanoma and SPF needed to be included, as well as information regarding health literacy such as how to effectively find health information and communicate with a health care provider; 4) some common misconceptions, such as the effectiveness of sunscreen on dark skin and reapplication times, were identified. Additionally, participants expressed hesitancy about undergoing skin examination by oneself and/or a doctor, highlighting the importance of providing more detailed guidance to address misperceptions and enhance adherence. Gender differences in adhering to skin protection measures were evident, with women demonstrating greater commitment despite men's higher melanoma rates and sun exposure, emphasizing the need for targeting of men. Conclusions: Participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention's relevance and informativeness for skin cancer education and promoting preventive behaviors. Insights and new ideas regarding intervention design gained from both the interviews will refine the final intervention, enhancing its cultural relevance and effectiveness in preventing skin cancer among the Hispanic community. Behavioral and Social Science: Community-based Interventions Citation Format: Niu Zhaomeng, Karen Dhami, Yonaira Rivera, Emily Peters, Jemima Baskar, Carolina Lozada, Carolyn Heckman. Developing and refining a digital skin cancer intervention among Hispanics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B038.