Adamantia Milia - Argyti

Dr. Adamantia Milia - Argyti


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 July 2022 in Current Oncology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DSDimitrios Sgouros
Dimitrios Sgouros
AAAdamantia Milia - Argyti
Adamantia Milia - Argyti
DADimitrios K. Arvanitis
Dimitrios K. Arvanitis
EPEleni Polychronaki
Eleni Polychronaki
FKFiori Kousta
Fiori Kousta
Alexander C. KatoulisAlexander C. Katoulis
Alexander C. Katoulis
Background: Decreased illness perception among actinic keratoses (AK) patients is a major barrier to the effective management of AK. Objective: We aimed to investigate patients’ illness and treatment perceptions, their correlation to demographics and AK/skin cancer history, and secondarily the influence of these perspectives on treatment and sunscreen use. Materials and Methods: Participants completed questionnaires based on the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and statistical analysis was performed. Results: In total, 208 AK patients were enrolled. A large proportion were poorly aware of the disease (41.4%), with less than half (43%) being familiar with AK. Patients were aware of the chronic nature of the disease and its correlation to sunlight regardless of demographic characteristics. The level of education played a role in disease awareness (p = 0.006), and treatment plan perception (p = 0.002). The increase in sunscreen protection after AK diagnosis was higher in women (p = 0.009) and younger patients (p = 0.044). Patients’ concerns regarding treatment were mainly related to the duration (30%) and effectivity (25%). Dermatologists’ statements highlighting that AK are precancerous lesions (86.2%) influenced patients’ willingness for treatment. Conclusion: Improved awareness of AK is necessary to increase treatment seeking and compliance, regarding both treatment and sunscreen use. Dermatologists’ statements may have critical influence on patients’ decisions to receive treatment for AK.