Barriers and Facilitators to Melanoma Prevention and Control Behaviors Among At-Risk Children

Yelena P. Wu, Bridget G. Parsons, Ryan Mooney, Lisa G. Aspinwall, Kristin Cloyes, Jennifer L. Hay, Wendy Kohlmann, Douglas Grossman, Sancy A. Leachman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Melanoma prevention is essential for children who are at elevated risk for the disease due to family history. However, children who carry a familial risk for the disease do not optimally adhere to recommended melanoma preventive behaviors. The current study sought to identify perceived barriers to and facilitators of children’s engagement in melanoma preventive behaviors among children at elevated risk for melanoma due to family history of the disease (i.e., having a parent with a history of melanoma) from both parents’ and childrens’ perspectives. Qualitative methods were employed and consisted of separate focus group discussions with children (ages 8–17 years, n = 37) and their parents (n = 39). Focus group transcripts were coded using content analysis. Parents and children reported a number of barriers and facilitators, including on the individual (e.g., knowledge and awareness, preferences), social (e.g., peer influences, family modeling and communication), and contextual (e.g., healthcare provider communication) levels. The identified categories of barriers and facilitators both confirm and extend the literature documenting the reasons children who are at elevated risk for melanoma do not engage in melanoma prevention and control behaviors. Programs aiming to decrease melanoma risk among children of melanoma survivors could help families address their barriers to preventive behavior implementation and build on facilitators. Melanoma survivors and their children could benefit from support on their interactions with healthcare providers, schools, peers, and other caregivers about melanoma prevention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)993-1001
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Community Health
Volume43
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2018

Keywords

  • Barriers
  • Children
  • Disease risk
  • Melanoma
  • Prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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