Assessment of educational services by Patient Target Group participating in the National Skin Cancer Prevention Programme (OPPNS) based on the example of the Wielkopolska region.

Background: Skin melanoma is one of the three main types of skin cancer along with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and develops from melanocytes. 2019 saw the beginning of the National Skin Cancer Prevention Programme (OPPNS) in Poland. One of the tasks performed was a health promotion campaign for patients. To effectively educate the public, the project was preceded by a survey assessing knowledge on skin cancer prevention methods. Then, the survey was repeated to evaluate the effectiveness of the awareness raising campaign.

Materials and methods: both studies were conducted based on an author-developed survey. A representative sample size was determined based on the calculator available at www.cem.pl/pl/analizy/wielkość-proby. In addition, each participant filled in a knowledge upgrade declaration. The analysis employed basic statistical data, such as absolute numbers and structural indicators.

Results and conclusions: Knowledge upgrade score of 9.16 (out of 10) was declared by 99.7% of the respondents. As many as 99.0% of them declared an intent to change their lifestyle to a healthier one. Thus, the education provided to the Programme participants was confirmed to have raised their awareness of skin cancer prevention and self-examination methods.