Association Between Education Level and Level of Knowledge of Skin Cancer among Basal Cell Carcinoma Patients at the Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia

Nugrohoaji Dharmawan (Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Laura Noviani (Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Merlina Wijayawati (Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia)

Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health
Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026)

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a non-melanoma skin cancer from basal cells. Limited knowledge of risk factors and prevention contributes to BCC. This study examined the relationship between knowledge of skin cancer and education level in BCC patients at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic, Dr. Moewardi General Hospital. Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 64 BCC patients diagnosed clinically and histopathologically from January 2022 to December 2024. The study was conducted at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Sura­karta, Central Java, Indonesia. Sample were recruited using a consecutive sampling. The depen­dent variable was the level of skin cancer knowledge. The independent variable was education level. Data were analyzed using a multiple logistic regression. Results: Education level was significantly associated with skin cancer knowledge after adjustment for age (OR= 7.26; 95% CI= 3.45–86.45; p<0.001). Conclusion: Education level is significantly associated with skin cancer knowledge. Strengthening skin cancer education for low-education, high-exposure groups may support earlier detection and prevention.