Melanoma prevention in children: knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of pediatricians in Italy

Abstract

Introduction

The aims of this study were to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of pediatricians about melanoma and to estimate any variables associated with this outcome of interest.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of pediatricians using a questionnaire sent by postal mail.

Results

The 40.8% and 41.6% of pediatricians stated that respectively “often” and “always” carried out a full skin examination during routine checkup of children. Only 14.1% and 21.1%  informed “always” parents respectively about risk factors for melanoma and about preventive interventions. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis have revealed that pediatricians older, those who believed it is very important the role of pediatricians in the prevention of melanoma, those who considered very important that pediatricians perform a skin examination during routine visit, and those who acquired information about melanoma were more likely to perform “always” a full skin examination of children and inform parents about preventive interventions for melanoma.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the pediatricians need to be more careful regard to malignant melanoma prevention in order to play a crucial role in the educational activities to the parents and dissemination of the most effective interventions screening.