Assessing Behavior, Knowledge, and Attitudes About Melanoma: An Educational Intervention for Female College Athletes

• Female college athletes are at increased risk for melanoma.
• Athletes have a significant amount of sun exposure and poor self-care behaviors.
• Female college athletes spend an average of 15.03 hours per week in the sun.
• Only 23.6% of the athletes report using sunscreen routinely.
• Educational intervention significantly improved behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an educational intervention on knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of female college athletes regarding melanoma. An educational intervention was performed on behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes in female college athletes (N = 72). Data were obtained before an educational session; immediately after the intervention, a post-test was administered. Preintervention behaviors included sun exposure (mean = 15.03 h/wk), poor attitude, and concern; 83.3% reported no care related to skin. Post-test results showed a significant improvement in behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. Female college athletes are at risk for melanoma related to sun exposure and self-care behaviors. Melanoma education can improve knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes.