Patient knowledge, awareness, and delay in seeking medical attention for malignant melanoma Journal Article
| Authors: | Oliveria, S. A.; Christos, P. J.; Halpern, A. C.; Fine, J. A.; Barnhill, R. L.; Berwick, M. |
| Article Title: | Patient knowledge, awareness, and delay in seeking medical attention for malignant melanoma |
| Abstract: | We investigated the relationship between patient knowledge, awareness, and delay in seeking medical attention for melanoma. The study population was comprised of 255 cases with cutaneous melanoma newly diagnosed during January 15, 1987 to May 15, 1989, who were part of a population-based case control study. Personal interviews were conducted to obtain information on patient's knowledge of melanoma signs and symptoms, skin awareness, delay in seeking medical attention, and related covariates. The adjusted odds ratio for the association between skin awareness and delay was 0.30 (95% confidence interval 0.12-0.71). Odds ratios ranged from 0.43 to 0.81 for knowledge and delay. Awareness of skin changes was associated with a reduced Breslow depth for stage I melanomas. Individuals who are aware of skin changes and abnormalities appear to be less likely to delay seeking medical attention for melanoma. Knowledge of melanoma signs and symptoms may also contribute to a decreased delay in melanoma diagnosis. |
| Keywords: | adolescent; adult; aged; middle aged; retrospective studies; major clinical study; mortality; melanoma; skin biopsy; skin neoplasms; incidence; odds ratio; patient education; time factors; questionnaires; health care utilization; diagnosis; physician-patient relations; malignant melanoma; epidemiology; awareness; patient acceptance of health care; connecticut; self-examination; knowledge; delay; humans; prognosis; human; male; female; priority journal; article |
| Journal Title: | Journal of Clinical Epidemiology |
| Volume: | 52 |
| Issue: | 11 |
| ISSN: | 0895-4356 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc. |
| Date Published: | 1999-11-01 |
| Start Page: | 1111 |
| End Page: | 1116 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/s0895-4356(99)00083-9 |
| PUBMED: | 10527006 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 16 August 2016 -- Source: Scopus |
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