Evaluation of the knowledge levels of interns and assistant physicians about skin cancers

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge level and awareness of resident and intern physicians at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine about skin cancers. Method: Our study was cross-sectional and descriptive. It is a face-to-face survey. The study was carried out between August and September 2023 at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Medicine. Resident and intern physicians who agreed to participate in the study and gave their consent were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 36 questions was used as a data collection tool. 16 questions created to evaluate sociodemographic data and awareness about skin cancers, A 20-question knowledge level questionnaire measuring skin cancer knowledge, which was created by reviewing the literature and consulting specialist physicians, was applied. Results: A total of 240 physicians, 93 (38.7%) female and 147 (61.3%) male, were included in the study. While 8.8% of the physicians are assistants in the dermatology + plastic and reconstructive surgery department, 48.3% in the internal departments and 15% in the surgical departments, 27.9% are intern physicians. There was a significant difference between the departments in terms of total score (p<0.001). This difference was due to the difference between those who were dermatology + plastic and reconstructive surgery assistants and other departments, and those who were dermatology + plastic and reconstructive surgery assistants had higher scores. While the average score of dermatology + plastic and reconstructive surgery assistants was 18.8±1.0 (max. score 20), internal department assistants received 13.7±2.6 points, surgical department assistants 13.9±1.8 points and intern physicians 13.4±2.4 points. 29.6% of the participants think that they have sufficient information about skin cancers and precancerous lesions, 57.9% think that they have sufficient information about sun protection methods, and 27.9% think that they have received sufficient education about skin cancers. 7.1% of the participants reported that they attended any course or congress related to skin cancer before and after graduation. While 46.7% of the physicians used sunscreen regularly, 52.9% stated that they had done a self-examination before. Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that the skin cancer knowledge and sun protection behaviors of residents and interns other than dermatology and plastic surgery assistants were not sufficient. Physicians should be trained on this subject after graduation and the training should be repeated from time to time. In addition, physicians need to increase their level of knowledge about skin cancers and sun protection methods. In this way, they can better protect both themselves and the individuals they serve from skin cancer.