The Predictive Factors of Skin Cancer Preventive Behaviors in Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Skin cancer represents a public health challenge worldwide. Preventive behaviors against ultraviolet radiation are crucial in decreasing the risk. This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors influencing skin cancer preventive behaviors among clinical medical students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2024. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 268 clinical medical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2024. The self-reported questionnaire included demographic variables, the Appearance-Attention Questionnaire (12 questions with a Likert scale of 1 to 5), and the Skin Cancer Preventive Behaviors Questionnaire (8 questions with a Likert scale of 0 to 4). Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis were used. Results: The mean scores for attention to appearance and skin cancer preventive behaviors were 40.58 and 13.17, respectively. The frequency of always wearing a wide-brimmed hat and gloves was 1.5% and 1.1% respectively. The frequency of using sunscreen and sunglasses was 25.4% and 14.9% respectively. The scores of skin cancer preventive behaviors among male students were significantly lower than those of female students (P<0.001), and internship students had higher scores of skin cancer preventive behaviors than externship students (P=0.001). Additionally, for every one-unit increase in appearance attention score, the score for skin cancer preventive behaviors increased by 0.14 units (P=0.001). Conclusion: A significant number of medical students do not consistently exhibit skin cancer preventive behaviors. Female students, internships, and those who paid more attention to their appearance had a higher score in the area of skin cancer preventive behaviors.