Photoaging and theory-based intervention to improve sun protection behaviors in students in Zahedan: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin cancer. Implementing new technologies and computational algorithms can potentially change the outlook for cancer prevention and facilitate early detection of melanoma, thereby reducing mortality. Mobile technology as a potential provider of health services in delivering health information and conducting interventions, especially in skin fields, where a significant part of diagnosis is based on visual examination, can be important. Evidence showed that constructs of protection motivation theory (PMT) were good predictors of practicing sun protection behaviors in students. This study will investigate whether mobile applications improve safe and healthy behaviors and affect students' reduced UV exposure. Method/design This randomized controlled trial will be conducted on 320 students on 06/04/2022 in Zahedan. We created mobile applications (Sunshine and Skin Health and WhatsApp apps). Sunshine and Skin Health app allows users to see their changed faces in three stages of adolescence, middle age, and old age based on sun protection behavior. The WhatsApp app has 27 health messages based on PMT theory, eight educational files, and a skin cancer clip that will be sent through WhatsApp during a week. Randomization will be performed using a 1:1 (control: intervention) ratio. The primary endpoint is the group difference in sun-protective behaviors and PMT constructs immediately after the intervention. The secondary endpoint is the group difference in sun-protective behaviors and PMT constructs at a 3-month follow-up. The data will be analyzed in SPSS.22, and the significance level will be considered at 0.05. Discussion The present study examines the effectiveness of mobile applications in improving sun-protective behaviors. If this intervention enhances sun protection behaviors, it can prevent students’ skin damage. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20200924048825N1. Prospectively registered on 8 February 2021.

Preclinical ImmunoPET Imaging Using a Zr-89-Labeled Anti-CD146 Monoclonal Antibody for Diagnosis of Melanoma

“…6 Early diagnosis and determination of prognostic factors have clinical significance for treatment and reducing mortality. 7 Melanoma is mainly diagnosed through clinical symptoms, diagnostic imaging, and histopathological analysis. 8 Histopathological factors such as Breslow thickness and ulcer and mitotic rates, as well as serum lactate dehydrogenase and S100 concentrations, are associated with the outcome of melanoma.…”

“…The treatment effects of BRAF inhibitors and anti-PD-1 are not satisfactory for the commonly seen acral malignant melanoma in East Asian patients . Early diagnosis and determination of prognostic factors have clinical significance for treatment and reducing mortality …”