Document Type
DNP Project
Publication Date
4-2023
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Faculty Advisor
Geraldine Budd, RN, CRNP, FAANP
Practice Mentor
Brother Norman Nuton Jr. Senior Minister
Second Practice Mentor
Sister Myra Nuton, RN
Abstract
Significance and Background: African American women are an undeserved population in healthcare, particularly regarding skin cancer prevention. The lack of education and misinformation surrounding skin cancer has resulted in general mistrust of the healthcare system amongst African Americans. Proper education on sunscreen use and skin cancer screening is essential to prevent late diagnosis of skin cancer and to promote prevention efforts.
Purpose: This quality improvement project utilized evidence-based practice to provide education on the proper use of sunscreen and skin cancer screening to African American women in a faith-based setting in Southern Connecticut.
Methods: A pre-survey was conducted to assess the knowledge of potential participants, and educational sessions were developed based off their responses. Three educational sessions were presented to the faith-based Women’s Ministry. At the final session, women aged 18 years of age and older who attended the sessions were invited to complete a post survey. The principles of the Plan-do study act guided this project.
Outcomes: The pre-survey data was collected from 22 potential participants, All potential participants were given a bookmark containing skin cancer facts and sunscreen. Seventeen women completed a post survey, with three participating in both the pre- and post-survey. The survey responses were compared to determine the percentage of improved knowledge following the education sessions. Prior to the education session, 23 % were not wearing sunscreen because they did not believe they needed it, and 46% did not like the white residue. An alarming 77% stated they were not asked about sunscreen usage by their providers.
Discussion: This quality improvement project underscored the need to educate the African American community on skin cancer prevention. The surveys highlighted the areas of disparity in the African American community regarding the lack of knowledge on sun care health. Skin cancer is not seen as a significant concern in the African American community, and the lack of knowledge and misinformation has resulted in inadequate sun care practices. Although the sample size was small, the findings demonstrate the need for education not only for African Americans but health care providers as well.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Mitchell, L. (2023). Sunscreen is not just for white people: Church-based sunscreen education for black women [Unpublished DNP project]. Sacred Heart University.
Included in
Dermatology Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons, Quality Improvement Commons
Comments
A DNP project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice, Sacred Heart University Davis & Henley College of Nursing.