Interactive computer technology for skin cancer prevention targeting children.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Health Education Technology
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Limited research exists on multimedia technology for childhood cancer prevention.
• Computer technology is increasingly integrated into healthcare settings.
• This study addresses the gap in utilizing digital tools for primary cancer prevention in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel multimedia computer program for the primary prevention of skin cancer in children.
• To assess the program's impact on children's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sun safety.
• To establish a prototype for future school-based health education initiatives.

Main Methods:

• An interactive CD-ROM program was created and pilot-tested in a rural elementary school.
• The study involved 209 third and fourth graders randomized into computer intervention, teacher-led intervention, and control groups.
• Pre-, post-, and 7-month follow-up surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported behaviors.

Main Results:

• The computer intervention group showed significantly higher postintervention knowledge scores (75.2) compared to teacher-led (59.5) and control (55.0) groups (p < 0.001).
• Attitudes towards suntanning also significantly differed between groups, favoring the computer group (64.0 vs. 53.0 and 48.6, p = 0.002).
• Behavioral improvements were observed, particularly in the computer group, though not statistically significant overall. Long-term follow-up showed sustained knowledge but not attitude differences.

Conclusions:

• The developed multimedia program is effective for delivering health education on skin cancer prevention to young children in schools.
• This interactive tool serves as a viable model for creating future school-based preventive programs.
• The approach can be adapted for other childhood conditions linked to high-risk behaviors.