Can adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors among seafarers be increased via a theory-based mobile phone-based text message intervention? A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundOne of the main occupational hazards for seafarers is the long exposure to sunlight. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a mobile phone-based text message intervention in adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors among a sample of seafarers in Genaveh port located in Bushehr province, Iran.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 136 seafarers were randomly selected and assigned to the intervention (n=68) or a control groups (n= 68). As a theoretical basis, we followed the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) variables to develop the text messages. The data related to PMT variables and skin cancer preventive behaviors were collected through a questionnaire. Forty-five text messages were designed, pre-tested and sent to the seafarers' phones in the intervention group in 45days. Both groups were followed up 1 month after the intervention. Data collected in the two stages were analyzed using paired-samples t-test, ANCOVA, and Chi-square tests.ResultsFollowing the intervention, the mean scores of adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors (p=0.001), perceived self-efficacy (p=0.01), protection motivation (p=0.02), and fear (p= 0.001) were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. There was significant reduction in the response costs (p=0.05) and perceived rewards (p=0.01) scores in the intervention group compared with the control group after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences in the perceived vulnerability (p=0.14), perceived severity (p=0.09), and response efficacy (p=0.64) between the two groups after the intervention.ConclusionsThe results of the study indicated the effectiveness of mobile phone-based text message intervention for increasing skin cancer preventive behaviors in Iranian seafarers.Trial registrationIranian Registry for Clinical Trial (the link to trial: https://www.irct.ir/trial/7572). Registered 16 July, 2016. Prospectively registered.