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Skin self-examination training benefits varied depending on relationship of patients, partners

Patients with melanoma and skin-check partners who spent the least time together and had the least happiness in their relationship may have received greater benefits from a skin self-examination intervention than those with higher relationship quality, according to recently published study results.

Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial between Jun 6, 2011, and April 14, 2014, which included 494 patients with stage 0 to IIB melanoma (mean age, 55 years; 51.2% female) and their skin-check partners (mean age, 55 years; 56.7% female). Follow-up assessments were performed at 1 year, and analysis was conducted.

Pairs of patients and partners were randomly assigned to receive intervention (395 patients) or customary care (99 patients). Patient skin self-examination (SSE) self-efficacy was used as main outcome.

The intervention effects on patients’ SSE self-efficacy were significantly moderated by relationship quality (beta = –0.892, SE = 0.432, t = –2.066; P = .001) and happiness (beta = –0.586, SE = 2.044, t = –2.24; P = .001). There was not a significant moderation of intervention effects of patients’ SSE self-efficacy by patient-partner agreeability (beta = –0.262, SE = 0.148, t = –1.773) and partner motivation (beta = –0.328; SE = 1.024; t = –0.320).

When activities performed with the partner were below average (mean difference, 6.652; P = .001) and when happiness was below average (mean difference, 7; P = .001), the greatest increases in self-efficacy were observed.

“This analysis provides insight on how patient and skin-check partner characteristics and perceptions can affect partner-assisted SSE training intervention,” the researchers concluded. “Our findings highlight the sustainability of the intervention’s effects both across time and with varying levels of partner motivation to engage in SSE and relationship quality. Patients with lower levels of partner motivation or relationship quality may benefit from training in SSE with their partners.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: Hultgren reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the study for a full list of the other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.