Relationship factors in skin self-examination among couples

Abstract

Objective: Individuals may be more motivated to adopt health-promoting practices if they consider the benefits of these behaviours for their close relationships. The goal of this study was to use the interdependence theory to evaluate the role of relationship factors in skin self-examination (SSE).

Design: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design.

Methods: One hundred and eighty-four married couples aged 50 years and older completed measures of skin cancer worry, SSE benefits, SSE barriers, relationship-centred motivations for SSE, discussions about SSE, and SSE practices in the past year.

Results: Couples who discussed SSE with one another were more likely to engage in it. Couples who adopted a relationship-centred motivation for SSE were more likely to discuss SSE, and, ultimately, engage in SSE. One partner's beliefs were associated with the other partner's SSE. Women who adopted a relationship-centred motivation for SSE had husbands who discussed SSE more and also had husbands who were more likely to conduct SSE. Men who adopted a relationship-centred motivation for SSE did not have wives who reported that they discussed SSE more with their husbands and/or wives who were more likely to conduct SSE. These findings suggest that wives' relationship beliefs and discussions with their husbands may have a stronger association with their husbands' SSE practices than the associations between husbands' relationship beliefs and discussions with their wives' SSE practices.

Conclusions: Behavioural interventions may benefit from encouraging couples to discuss SSE and consider the benefits of SSE for their relationship and for their spouse's health. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Previous studies have shown that people are more motivated to adopt health-promoting behaviours if they consider the benefits of such behaviours for their close relationships. However, little is known about the role of the marital relationship in the engagement in skin self-examination (SSE) practices. What does this study add? This study builds on prior research evaluating the role of relationship factors in cancer screening and surveillance practices. Couples who discuss SSE with one another are more likely to engage in it. Couples who consider the benefits of engaging in SSE for their relationship are more likely to discuss skin examinations and engage in them.

Keywords: couples; interdependence theory; relationship perspective; skin cancer prevention; skin self-examination.