A Self-Reported Study Toward Melanoma Knowledge, Protective Behavior and Personal Risk Among Nursing Faculty Students at AAB University of Kosovo

INTRODUCTION: In nowadays, melanoma is one of the major problems of public health all over the world. In Kosovo, the incidence of melanoma has shown irregular tendency with significant increases and decreases in the last five years. AIM: The aim of this paper was to detect the knowledge level of nursing students in Kosovo’s University (AAB University) regarding melanoma and its risk factors; to evaluate their knowledge about the protection and prevention methods of melanoma as one of the main topics of dermatology and major problems of public health worldwide nowadays. Of a great importance, it was to evaluate the necessity of establishing a dermatology course in nursing curricula in Kosovo universities, as nurses have a key role in educating and promoting health in the population. METHODS: The training was conducted through slides, photos, videos and a questionnaire was used to collect the data before and after training. Data analysis was run through SPSS program version 20.0. Data were expressed through mean values and standard deviations. T-test, Anova and regression analysis were performed to test the relationship between the protective behaviors, knowledge, personal risk and level of concern. RESULTS: Results indicated a low level of knowledge and a fairly poor protective behavior among the participants. CONCLUSION: On-going training and enrichment of school curricula emerged as an intervention to increase the awareness of the students toward potential risks of melanoma and ultimate change in the protective behavior.