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Abstract
Skin cancer poses a significant public health challenge in the US, with rising rates underscoring the need for prevention efforts. Currently, there is a gap in knowledge that individuals with more melanin do not require sunblock or need to practice sun safety techniques. Yet, Latinx/Hispanics have lower rates of melanoma survival due to this disparity of knowledge. This scoping review aims to explore effective methodologies for increasing sun safety knowledge in the Latinx population. Conducted on February 7, 2024, through databases like EBSCO-Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, and PubMed, the search targeted articles from January 1, 2018, to February 7, 2024, using relevant keywords like "skin health education," "Hispanic," and others. Two teams independently reviewed 234 articles, with each member assessing 117, ensuring thorough coverage. Additional reviewers examined eligibility criteria. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effective methodologies used to increase sun safety knowledge within the Latino/Hispanic population in the United States. Furthermore, this review aims to synthesize recommendations for skin cancer prevention interventions for medical student-led free clinic implementation considerations for those serving rural Latinx populations. Of the 234 articles, 87 duplicates were removed, and 138 didn't meet the criteria, leaving 9 for inclusion in the review. Larger studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended to assess knowledge retention and intervention efficacy comprehensively.
Overall, the findings highlight the importance of culturally tailored interventions and the potential for appearance-based approaches to enhance sun protection behaviors among Hispanic populations.