Journal of

Backgound and Aim: Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in Yazd city. Childhood and adolescense is an important time for preventing the skin cancers. The aim of this study was to survey the role of appearance concern with skin cancer prevention behavior based on protection motivation theory.
Methods: Participants in this cross- sectional study were 360 female students from 4 high schools in Yazd city. Data were gathered by using self-reporting questionnaires and were analyzed using SPSS software applying ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression tests.
Results: Using Pearson's correlation test, a statistically significant correlation between the appearance concern with perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, protection motivation and behaviors was found (P<0.01). The perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self- efficacy, response efficacy, protection motivation, response costs and appearance concern could predict 0.56 of the behaviors and perceived susceptibility was the strongest predictor (β=0.120). Also, protection motivation could predict behavior (41 %).
Conclusion: Results of this study support the effectiveness of protection motivation theory variables and the role of appearance concern for prediction of skin cancer prevention behaviors in participants.

Background and Aim: Lack of information on how to protect and prevent cutaneos leishmaniasis plays an important role in the susceptibility to the disease. Therefore, preventive measures will be effective if the parents have awareness about the disease. This study was aimed to invetigate the effects of educational interventions on mother’s knowledge and attitude towards cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 120 married women who were 15 years of age or older and were referred to Ab-o-Bargh Health Center in Mashhad were recruited. The participants were divided into three groups: participation in an educational lecture, participation in an educational group discussion session, and a control, non-intervention group. A researcher-developed questionnaire including questions on demographic data, and developed knowledge and attitude towards cutaneous leishmaniasis were used for data gathering. The evaluation of educational intervention effects were assessed before, immediately after the interventions, and one month after the educational interventions.

Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean of awareness scores between the three groups (P=0.71). However, there was a significant difference in awareness scores between the three groups immediately after the intervention. The observed scores did not change significantly after one month (P=0.001). Also, there was there was a significant difference in the rate of attitude score towards cutaneous leishmaniasis after the intervention between three groups (P=0.001).

Conclusion: Individual and group educational interventions regarding cutaneous leishmaniasis were effective to increase the knowledge and improve the attitude of the participants towards the disease. We recommend to apply effective educational interventions like group discussions to improve the mothers' knowledge and their insights about cutaneous leishmaniasis.