scholarly journals Testing Wearable UV Sensors to Improve Sun Protection in Young Adults at an Outdoor Festival: Field Study

10.2196/21243 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e21243
Author(s):  
Caitlin Horsham ◽  
Jodie Antrobus ◽  
Catherine M Olsen ◽  
Helen Ford ◽  
David Abernethy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
The Body ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Uv Sensor ◽  
Sunscreen Use ◽  
Uv Sensors

Background Australia and New Zealand have the highest skin cancer incidence rates worldwide, and sun exposure is the main risk factor for developing skin cancer. Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a critical factor in developing skin cancer later in life. Objective This study aims to test the effectiveness of wearable UV sensors to increase sun protection habits (SPH) and prevent sunburn in adolescents. Methods During the weeklong school leavers outdoor festival (November 2019) at the Gold Coast, Australia, registered attendees aged 15-19 years were recruited into the field study. Participants were provided with a wearable UV sensor and free sunscreen. The primary outcome was sun exposure practices using the SPH index. Secondary outcomes were self-reported sunburns, sunscreen use, and satisfaction with the wearable UV sensor. Results A total of 663 participants were enrolled in the study, and complete data were available for 188 participants (188/663, 28.4% response rate). Participants provided with a wearable UV sensor significantly improved their use of sunglasses (P=.004) and sunscreen use both on the face (P<.001) and on other parts of the body (P=.005). However, the use of long-sleeve shirts (P<.001) and the use of a hat (P<.001) decreased. During the study period, 31.4% (59/188) of the participants reported receiving one or more sunburns. Satisfaction with the wearable UV sensor was high, with 73.4% (138/188) of participants reporting the UV sensor was helpful to remind them to use sun protection. Conclusions Devices that target health behaviors when outdoors, such as wearable UV sensors, may improve use of sunscreen and sunglasses in adolescents.

scholarly journals Testing Wearable UV Sensors to Improve Sun Protection in Young Adults at an Outdoor Festival: Field Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Horsham ◽  
Jodie Antrobus ◽  
Catherine M Olsen ◽  
Helen Ford ◽  
David Abernethy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
The Body ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Uv Sensor ◽  
Sunscreen Use ◽  
Uv Sensors

BACKGROUND Australia and New Zealand have the highest skin cancer incidence rates worldwide, and sun exposure is the main risk factor for developing skin cancer. Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence is a critical factor in developing skin cancer later in life. OBJECTIVE This study aims to test the effectiveness of wearable UV sensors to increase sun protection habits (SPH) and prevent sunburn in adolescents. METHODS During the weeklong school leavers outdoor festival (November 2019) at the Gold Coast, Australia, registered attendees aged 15-19 years were recruited into the field study. Participants were provided with a wearable UV sensor and free sunscreen. The primary outcome was sun exposure practices using the SPH index. Secondary outcomes were self-reported sunburns, sunscreen use, and satisfaction with the wearable UV sensor. RESULTS A total of 663 participants were enrolled in the study, and complete data were available for 188 participants (188/663, 28.4% response rate). Participants provided with a wearable UV sensor significantly improved their use of sunglasses (<i>P</i>=.004) and sunscreen use both on the face (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) and on other parts of the body (<i>P</i>=.005). However, the use of long-sleeve shirts (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) and the use of a hat (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) decreased. During the study period, 31.4% (59/188) of the participants reported receiving one or more sunburns. Satisfaction with the wearable UV sensor was high, with 73.4% (138/188) of participants reporting the UV sensor was helpful to remind them to use sun protection. CONCLUSIONS Devices that target health behaviors when outdoors, such as wearable UV sensors, may improve use of sunscreen and sunglasses in adolescents.

A qualitative exploration of parental perceptions regarding children’s sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rowan Drittij ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Parental Perceptions ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Sun protection among children is of utmost importance since sunburn in early life is a major risk factor for skin cancer development. Because parents play a vital role in enhancing sun safety among children, this study explored parental perceptions concerning sun exposure, sun protection behaviors, and sunburn in children. Additionally, the context in which children experience sunburn in order to assist the development, optimization, and targeting of sun safety interventions for parents is revealed.A qualitative study design, using a semi-structured interview guide addressing several themes (e.g. sun exposure, sun protection, and sunburn experiences), was used. Data were collected in the Netherlands in the fall of 2019. Parents were recruited via purposive sampling at schools, youth services centers, and social media. In total, 26 interviews were performed. Execution, transcription, and coding of the interviews was done by two researchers, using the qualitative analyzing program Nvivo (interrater reliability of d =.84). Comprehensive findings concerning various themes were retrieved. It was found that sunburn was frequently prevalent among children, even though all parents reported using at least one sun protection measure. Parents were often unaware of their child’s sunburn and its severity. Regarding sun protection measures, parents demonstrated an overreliance on sunscreen, often failing to adequately protect their children’s skin. Water-related activities, a lack of shade, and lack of knowledge regarding UV-index were often related to sunburn. Moreover, unexpected sun exposure or longer exposure duration than initially planned were reported as challenging situations. The majority of parents had positive perceptions regarding tanned skin for both themselves as for children.This study provides directions for future skin cancer prevention efforts targeted at both parents and their children. Since a lack of knowledge regarding sufficient sun protection measures and sunburn occurrence in various situations was reported, educational efforts are warranted. Additionally, focusing on clothing, shade-seeking, and adequate sunscreen use is recommended to increase children’s sun safety. By intervening in the physical environment as well (e.g. providing shady areas), sun protection barriers can be reduced. Lastly, the general positive attitude toward tanned skin evident in this study is certainly worthy of attention in future interventions.

Identification of socio-cognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors to optimize intervention development

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
Cognitive Determinants

Background: Adequate sun safety during childhood is crucial for decreasing skin cancer risk in later life. Although parents are an essential target group in applying sun protection measures for their children, interventions are often not directed at parents. This study identifies the most relevant determinants in predicting parental sun protection intentions and behaviors to provide guidance for future intervention development.Methods: A longitudinal survey study with two measurements was conducted among Dutch parents (N=670) of children (4-12 years old). Twenty-seven socio-cognitive determinants were examined in terms of relevance regarding four parental sun protection behaviors in different sun exposure situations. The CIBER approach was used to visualize room for improvement (sample means) on all determinants and their association strengths (correlations) with sun protection intentions and behaviors.Results: Behavior-specific rather than generic determinants were most relevant in explaining all sun protection behaviors. Of these determinants, attitude, self-efficacy and action planning, and especially parental feelings of difficulty in performing sun protection behaviors, were most relevant. Altogether, the explained variance of all socio-cognitive determinants was highest for shade-seeking behavior (R2= .41 and .43) and lowest for supportive behavior (R2=.19 and .29) in both planned and incidental sun exposure situations respectively.Discussion: This study provides detailed insight into relevant socio-cognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors in various sun exposure situations. This insight provides guidance for composing parental skin cancer prevention interventions. Future composition of sun safety interventions should emphasize on enhancing parental feelings of self-efficacy, especially for shade-seeking and clothing behaviors.

scholarly journals Identification of Relevant Sociocognitive Determinants Explaining Multiple Parental Sun Protection Behaviors

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110104
Author(s):  
Karlijn Thoonen ◽  
Liesbeth van Osch ◽  
Rik Crutzen ◽  
Hein de Vries ◽  
Francine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Sun Safety ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Insight Into

Background Adequate sun safety during childhood is crucial for decreasing skin cancer risk in later life. Although parents are an essential target group in applying sun protection measures for their children, insight into the determinants associated with their sun protection behaviors is limited. Aims This study aims to identify the most relevant determinants in predicting multiple parental sun protection intentions and behaviors in different sun exposure situations. Method A longitudinal survey study with two measurements was conducted among Dutch parents ( N = 670) of children (4–12 years old). Twenty-seven sociocognitive determinants were examined in terms of relevance regarding four parental sun protection behaviors in different sun exposure situations. The Confidence Interval-Based Estimation of Relevance approach was used to visualize room for improvement (sample means) on all determinants and their association strengths (correlations) with sun protection intentions and behaviors. Results Behavior-specific rather than generic determinants were most relevant in explaining all sun protection behaviors. Of these determinants, attitude, self-efficacy and action planning, and especially parental feelings of difficulty in performing sun protection behaviors, were most relevant. Altogether, the explained variance of all sociocognitive determinants was highest for shade-seeking behavior ( R2 = .41 and .43) and lowest for supportive behavior ( R2 = .19 and .29) in both planned and incidental sun exposure situations, respectively. Discussion This study provides detailed insight into relevant sociocognitive determinants of parental sun protection behaviors in various sun exposure situations and directions for composing parental skin cancer prevention interventions. Conclusions Future composition of sun safety interventions should emphasize on enhancing parental feelings of self-efficacy, especially for shade-seeking and clothing behaviors.

Fighting Skin Cancer With a Musical Sound

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Potente ◽  
Vanessa Rock ◽  
Jacqueline McIver ◽  
Melinda Williams ◽  
Christopher Magee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Media Campaigns ◽  
Social Marketing Campaign ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Media ◽  
Key Barrier

Australian youth have good knowledge about skin cancer prevention as a result of over three decades of traditional mass media campaigns. However, youth sun protection behavior remains poor. This case study describes the results of a unique social marketing campaign (the Sun Sound) aimed at translating youths’ knowledge into improved sun protection behavior. Formative research identified that a key barrier to sun protection was youth regularly forgot to protect their skin. As such, the campaign centered on a musical jingle that was broadcast at outdoor recreational settings as a “cue to action” reminder to use sun protection at the time and point of sun exposure. The Sun Sound was trialed at two coastal communities in New South Wales, Australia, during summer 2009–2010. The media launch generated 17.6 million Australian audience impressions (advertising value A$257,785). Intercept surveys conducted with 467 youth aged 12–18 years found there was high unprompted recall (41%) and understanding (79%) of the Sun Sound message. The Sun Sound was found to be an effective cue to action in prompting sun protection behaviors when heard, with over a third (38%) of respondents reporting use of additional sun protection upon hearing the jingle. Since the pilot, the Sun Sound has expanded to over 60 pools, beaches, and selected venues across Australia. The campaign demonstrates it is possible to influence behavior by targeting audiences at the actual point that behavior occurs, using research-informed insights and a relevant marketing mix.

scholarly journals Design and implementation of a health promotion program to prevent the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation at primary school students of rural areas of Greece

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sakoufaki ◽  
Aravella Stergiopoulou ◽  
Alexander Stratigos
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
School Intervention ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
Harmful Effects

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer presenting with a dramatic increase in its incidence among Caucasian populations worldwide. Primary prevention in childhood and early detection is important in reducing the risk of skin cancer later in life.</span>The o<span lang="EN-IN">bjectives of the study were to investigate the effect of a focused educational intervention in school children aiming to increase their knowledge about the harmful effects of sun exposure and promote prevention behaviors regarding skin cancer</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The study consisted of a before/after 6-month assessment of a school intervention program applied in two hundred children from four primary Schools (Grades 3-6) at a rural area in Western Greece. The program included the presentation and distribution of educational material (activity guide, manual for pupils, posters). A detailed questionnaire with close-ended questions was distributed before and after the intervention. Both between and in groups analysis was conducted</span>.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Of the participating pupils, 48% were boys, whereas 78.5% reported a fair skin complexion and 79% reported freckles and 1-20 nevi. After the intervention, an increased number of pupils were taught to enjoy sun exposure while avoiding its harmful effects. A significantly greater number of children stated proper use of sunscreen (74% vs. 31%, p=0.001) and sun protection (that avoided going outside especially at the intense hours of daily UV exposure (65% vs. 25.5% prior to the intervention). Melanoma awareness was also significantly raised. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Students’ knowledge about the effects of sun exposure as well as the need for sun protection increased following a targeted and well-designed educational intervention. The development of preventive educational programs on skin cancer for school children is important to increase awareness in this sensitive age group.</span></p>

scholarly journals Controversies regarding the relation between solar radiation, cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D and the development of malignant melanoma

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Corina-Daniela Ene ◽  
◽  
Amalia-Elena Anghel ◽  
Alina Muşetescu ◽  
Ilinca Nicolae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
The Body ◽  
Melanoma Metastasis ◽  
Cutaneous Synthesis

The relation between sun exposure, vitamin D synthesis and skin cancer is a complex one. Radiations from the sun stimulate the cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, one way, and promote the development of the skin cancer on the other way. A lot of epidemiologic and experimental studies revealed contradictory results regarding the relation between vitamin D and malignant melanoma. The vitamin D deficiency, accurate biochemical indicator of the vitamin D status in the body, could be implicated in promoting metastasis of the malignant melanoma by activation of the cellular proliferation, stimulation of the neutrophils chemotaxis and promoting angiogenesis. Identification of therapeutic strategies to normalise serum levels of the 25-OH vitamin D3 could represent useful tools in preventing melanoma metastasis.

scholarly journals A Randomized Clinical Trial of Precision Prevention Materials Incorporating MC1R Genetic Risk to Improve Skin Cancer Prevention Activities Among Hispanics

2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-38
Author(s):  
John Charles A. Lacson ◽  
Scarlet H. Doyle ◽  
Jocelyn Del Rio ◽  
Stephanie M. Forgas ◽  
Rodrigo Carvajal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Cancer Susceptibility ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Skin Cancer Prevention ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Average Risk ◽  
Cancer Worry ◽  
Prevention Activities

Purpose: Skin cancer incidence is increasing among Hispanics, who experience worse outcomes than non-Hispanic Whites. Precision prevention incorporating genetic testing for (melanocortin-1 receptor) MC1R, a skin cancer susceptibility marker, may improve prevention behavior. Experimental Design: Hispanic participants (n = 920) from Tampa, FL and Ponce, PR, were block-randomized within MC1R higher- and average-risk groups to precision prevention or generic prevention arms. We collected baseline information on demographics, family history of cancer, phenotypic characteristics, health literacy, health numeracy, and psychosocial measures. Participants reported weekday and weekend sun exposure (in hours), number of sunburns, frequency of five sun protection behaviors, intentional outdoor and indoor tanning, and skin examinations at baseline, 3 months, and 9 months. Participants also reported these outcomes for their eldest child ≤10 years old. Results: Among MC1R higher-risk participants, precision prevention increased sunscreen use (OR = 1.74, P = 0.03) and receipt of a clinical skin exam (OR = 6.51, P = 0.0006); and it decreased weekday sun exposure hours (β = −0.94, P = 0.005) and improved sun protection behaviors (β = 0.93, P = 0.02) in their children. There were no significant intervention effects among MC1R average-risk participants. The intervention did not elevate participant cancer worry. We also identified moderators of the intervention effect among both average- and higher-risk participants. Conclusions: Receipt of MC1R precision prevention materials improved some skin cancer prevention behaviors among higher-risk participants and their children and did not result in reduced prevention activities among average-risk participants. Despite these encouraging findings, levels of sun protection behaviors remained suboptimal among participants, warranting more awareness and prevention campaigns targeted to Hispanics Significance: Our results support a precision public health approach to reducing skin cancers among Hispanics, an underserved population in precision medicine, and may additionally improve preventive behaviors among their children.

scholarly journals Understanding Melanoma in Kids and Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly Neale ◽  
Jillian M. Richmond
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Young People ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Protective Clothing ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Abnormal Growth ◽  
Protective Actions

Did you know the reason behind wearing sunscreen is more than just preventing a sunburn? Sun damage to the skin over a lifetime can lead to the most dangerous type of skin cancer, called melanoma. Melanoma is abnormal growth of the pigment-producing cells of the skin, the same types of cells that make up moles. Though rare in young people, the risk for melanoma increases with age. Melanoma in kids looks and acts differently than it does in adults, often making the diagnosis challenging for doctors. Early diagnosis is important so that the melanoma can be removed and treated before it spreads to other parts of the body. Protective actions done in childhood, such as wearing sunscreen, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing when out in the sun, will help to prevent melanoma later in life.

scholarly journals Sun protection education for adolescents: A feasibility study of a wait-list controlled trial of an intervention involving a presentation, action planning, and SMS messages and using objective measurement of sun exposure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Hubbard ◽  
John Cherrie ◽  
Jonathan Gray ◽  
Richard G Kyle ◽  
Amanda Nioi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Sun Protection ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Wait List

Abstract Background People increase their risk of melanoma unless they are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a three-component sun protection intervention- presentation, action planning, and SMS messages - and trial parameters. Methods This feasibility wait-list trial was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2018. Students aged 13-15 years were eligible. Feasibility outcomes were collected for recruitment rates; data availability rates for objective measurements of melanin and erythema using a Mexameter and self-reported sunburn occurrences, severity and body location, tanning, sun protection behaviours and Skin Self-Examination (SSE) collected before (baseline) and after the school summer holidays (follow-up); intervention reach, adherence, perceived impact and acceptability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results Five out of eight schools expressing an interest in participating with four allocated to act as intervention and one control. Four parents/carers opted their child out of the study. 487 out of 724 students on the school register consented to the study at baseline (67%). 385 were in intervention group schools. Objective skin measurements were available for 255 (66%) of the intervention group at baseline and 237 (61%) of the group at follow up. Melanin increased; erythema decreased. Complete self-report data were available for 247 (64%) students in the intervention group. The number of students on the school register who attended the presentation and given the booklet was 379 (98%) and gave their mobile phone number was 155 (40%). No intervention component was perceived as more impactful on sun protection behaviours. Adolescents did not see the relevance of sun protection in the UK or for their age group. Conclusions This is the first study to use a Mexameter to measure skin colour in adolescents. Erythema (visible redness) lasts no more than three days and its measurement before and after a six week summer holiday may not yield relevant or meaningful data. A major challenge is that adolescents do not see the relevance of sun protection and SSE.

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