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Self management in atypical mole syndrome: qualitative findings from a pilot study

Wilson, Patricia M., Bataille, Veronique, Klemera, Ellen (2010) Self management in atypical mole syndrome: qualitative findings from a pilot study. Dermatological Nursing, 9 (4). pp. 42-46. ISSN 1477-3368. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:39072)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.

Abstract

Background: Atypical mole syndrome (AMS) is the most significant risk factor for melanoma. Although the incidence of melanoma is rising, with early detection it is more likely to be curable. Regular systematic skin self-examination is vital, however there is little research exploring self-management behaviours in this population. Aim: This paper reports the qualitative findings of a mixed method study investigating the knowledge, self-management behaviours and experience of living with AMS. Method: Three focus groups were undertaken to explore the experiences, beliefs, strategies, and self-management facilitation in AMS. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: A sense of anxiety in living with AMS was described, which was heightened by knowing someone who had been diagnosed with melanoma. Impact on life appeared greater for females, although males also discussed anxiety when causing trauma to moles. However, systematic skin self-examination was not regularly undertaken and there was a reliance on clinic visits to a dermatologist to check moles. Conclusion: There is a need to develop self-management interventions for this population to reduce anxiety and promote systematic skin self-examination. The potential of adapting interventions for AMS from other long-term conditions should be explored.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled keywords: Atypical mole syndrome
Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
R Medicine > RL Dermatology
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Centre for Health Services Studies
Depositing User: Tony Rees
Date Deposited: 08 Apr 2014 13:33 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:15 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/39072 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Wilson, Patricia M..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5787-9736
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Klemera, Ellen.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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