Gülşah ÇAMCI, Nisa ÖZDEŞ, Hilal KAYMAZ, Beyza KEÇEOĞLU
Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi - 2026;12(1):81-88
Objective: This study aimed to assess the health beliefs of nursing students concerning skin cancer. Methods: The research was conducted between April 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025, among students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences , Department of Nursing at a state university in Istanbul, Türkiye. Results: According to the Health Belief Model Scale for Skin Cancer, the mean score for perceived susceptibility was 25.48+/-3.54, perceived severity was 16.31+/-2.58, perceived benefits were 22.68+/-3.77, perceived barriers were 14.85+/-3.53, and self -efficacy was 22.96+/-3.78. Female students had higher scores for perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self -efficacy compared to male students. Students with blue/green or hazel eyes had higher perceived severity scores than those with black eyes. Students who had received prior information about skin cancer demonstrated higher perceived susceptibility and self -efficacy scores. Students who performed self -skin examination were found to have higher perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy scores. Students who used sunscreen had higher perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self -efficacy scores compared with those who did not use sunscreen. In the multiple regression analysis, female gender and prior knowledge of skin cancer were identified as significant predictors of perceived susceptibility scores. Additionally , female gender and having fair skin were found to be positive predictors of perceived severity scores. Conclusion: The health beliefs of nursing students regarding skin cancer were found to be at a moderate level. Female gender, prior knowledge about skin cancer, and having fair skin were identified as significant predictors of these health beliefs.
