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The Journal of Primary Prevention Oct 2021Understanding the behaviors that lead to sunburn is an important objective toward developing intervention strategies to reduce risk for skin cancers. Our cross-sectional...
Understanding the behaviors that lead to sunburn is an important objective toward developing intervention strategies to reduce risk for skin cancers. Our cross-sectional study surveyed 400 college students aged 18 and older at a public state university in the northeastern US in 2018 to assess tanning behaviors, outdoor activities, sun protection, and sunburn over the past year. Sunburn was exceedingly common; over half reported one or more sunburns in the past 12 months. Outdoor intentional and unintentional tanning were also common. Male sex, White race, sun sensitive skin type, and outdoor intentional and unintentional tanning were independently associated with increased odds of sunburn. Water and non-water sports, sunbathing, and vacations were also associated with sunburn. These results indicate that tanning and outdoor activities such as sports are important behaviors on which to focus for sunburn prevention among college students. Understanding the behaviors that are associated with sunburn provides useful opportunities to prevent skin cancer among young people.
Topics: Adolescent; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Behavior; Humans; Male; Students; Sunbathing; Sunburn; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 34155576
DOI: 10.1007/s10935-021-00638-z -
International Journal of Dermatology Jul 1999
Review
Topics: Animals; Humans; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight
PubMed: 10440276
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-4362.1999.00712.x -
Drug Safety Jul 2019Photosensitive drug eruptions are cutaneous adverse events due to exposure to a medication and either ultraviolet or visible radiation. In this review, the diagnosis,... (Review)
Review
Photosensitive drug eruptions are cutaneous adverse events due to exposure to a medication and either ultraviolet or visible radiation. In this review, the diagnosis, prevention and management of drug-induced photosensitivity is discussed. Diagnosis is based largely on the history of drug intake and the appearance of the eruption primarily affecting sun-exposed areas of the skin. This diagnosis can also be aided by tools such as phototesting, photopatch testing and rechallenge testing. The mainstay of management is prevention, including informing patients of the possibility of increased photosensitivity as well as the use of appropriate sun protective measures. Once a photosensitivity reaction has occurred, it may be necessary to discontinue the culprit medication and treat the reaction with corticosteroids. For certain medications, long-term surveillance may be indicated because of a higher risk of developing melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma at sites of earlier photosensitivity reactions. A large number of medications have been implicated as causes of photosensitivity, many with convincing clinical and scientific supporting evidence. We review the medical literature regarding the evidence for the culpability of each drug, including the results of phototesting, photopatch testing and rechallenge testing. Amiodarone, chlorpromazine, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, nalidixic acid, naproxen, piroxicam, tetracycline, thioridazine, vemurafenib and voriconazole are among the most consistently implicated and warrant the most precaution by both the physician and patient.
Topics: Dermatitis, Phototoxic; Drug Eruptions; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Sunlight
PubMed: 30888626
DOI: 10.1007/s40264-019-00806-5 -
Primary Care Jun 2000Chronic sun exposure is responsible for changes in skin texture, pigmentation, vascularity, maturation, and production of neoplasms. A 78% decrease in the lifetime... (Review)
Review
Chronic sun exposure is responsible for changes in skin texture, pigmentation, vascularity, maturation, and production of neoplasms. A 78% decrease in the lifetime incidence of basal and squamous cell carcinoma has been reported with regular use of SPF 15 sunscreen for the first 18 years of life. Actinic keratoses, sun-induced premalignant lesions of the skin, can be eliminated by mechanical and medication therapies. 5-fluorouracil therapy can be effective treatment for widespread actinic damage.
Topics: Humans; Keratosis; Skin Diseases; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 10815053
DOI: 10.1016/s0095-4543(05)70205-0 -
Photochemistry and Photobiology May 2021This research compared personal sunlight exposure times monitored electronically within suburban Australian environments against self-report paper journals for...
This research compared personal sunlight exposure times monitored electronically within suburban Australian environments against self-report paper journals for determining the timing and total duration of individual exposure to daily solar radiation. A total of 90 Electronic Sun Journal (ESJ) daily readings and self-report timing and duration estimates of exposure for weekend and weekdays were compared. A Wilcoxon ranked sign test showed a significant difference (V = 157, P < 0.001) between the duration of exposure recorded electronically and the duration of exposure that was self-reported in a diary. There was also found to be a statistically significant difference between total exposure time measured using both methods for weekends (V = 10, P < 0.001) and weekdays (V = 87, P < 0.001). General trends in outdoor exposure timing confirmed that the most frequent daily exposures received over the weekend occurred between 1 and 2 h earlier than the most frequent exposures received on weekdays. This preliminary research found that exposure durations as recorded by the ESJ were longer on the weekends compared to weekdays (W = 402, P < 0.001) and confirmed that the ESJ is a viable alternative to self-reporting diaries.
Topics: Australia; Electronics; Humans; Self Report; Sunlight
PubMed: 33264423
DOI: 10.1111/php.13359 -
Photochemical & Photobiological... Jul 2015Sun exposure is the main etiology of skin cancer. Differences in skin cancer incidence have been observed between rural and urban populations.
BACKGROUND
Sun exposure is the main etiology of skin cancer. Differences in skin cancer incidence have been observed between rural and urban populations.
OBJECTIVES
As sun exposure begins in childhood, we examined summer UVR exposure doses and sun behavior in children resident in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
METHODS
Personal, electronic UVR dosimeters and sun behavior diaries were used during a summer (3.5 months) by 150 children (4-19 years of age) resident in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
RESULTS
On school/kindergarten days rural children spent more time outdoors and received higher UVR doses than urban and suburban children (rural: median 2.3 h per day, median 0.9 SED per day, urban: median 1.3 h per day, median 0.3 SED per day, suburban: median 1.5 h per day, median 0.4 SED per day) (p ≤ 0.007). Urban and suburban children exhibited a more intermittent sun exposure pattern than rural children. Differences in UVR exposure doses were from high exposure days (e.g. beach days) outside Denmark. Suburban children had a total UVR exposure similar to rural children (suburban: median 109.4 SED, rural: median 103.1 SED), with days spent abroad contributing greatly to the total UVR exposure dose (total UVR on days spent abroad: suburban: median 48.0 SED, rural: median 8.0 SED).
CONCLUSIONS
Differences in sun exposure patterns exist between children from different areas and may be the background for higher skin cancer incidences in urban populations.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Models, Theoretical; Radiometry; Rural Population; Suburban Population; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays; Urban Population; Young Adult
PubMed: 26066309
DOI: 10.1039/c5pp00052a -
Frontiers in Public Health 2021Sun 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...
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. Execution, transcription, and coding of the interviews was done by two researchers, using the qualitative analyzing program Nvivo (interrater reliability of = 0.84). In total, 26 interviews were performed ( = 17 mothers, = 17 daughters, aged between 4 and 11 years). Parental perceptions and recall of their child's lifetime sunburn were frequent, even though all parents reported using at least one sun protection measure during sun exposure situations and parents seemed often unaware of their child's sunburn. Moreover, parents reported an overreliance on sunscreen, often failing to adequately protect their children's skin. Water-related activities, a lack of shade, and misconceptions regarding UV-index were often related to sunburn. In addition, 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 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.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Netherlands; Parents; Perception; Protective Clothing; Reproducibility of Results; Sunburn; Sunlight
PubMed: 33681123
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.596253 -
Military Medicine Jan 2015Recent literature has shown that the incidence of melanoma skin cancer is significantly higher in the U.S. military than for civilians and is higher in the U.S. Air...
Recent literature has shown that the incidence of melanoma skin cancer is significantly higher in the U.S. military than for civilians and is higher in the U.S. Air Force than other military branches. No studies have investigated military specific exposures that might increase this risk. Using a cross-sectional survey we evaluated sun exposure knowledge and practices of U.S. Air Force flight line workers whose duties may lead to increased melanoma risk. The specific aims of this study were to (1) describe the social demographic characteristics of maintenance personnel, (2) describe current sun blocking practices in maintenance personnel, (3) describe knowledge about sun exposure risks and benefits, and (4) identify factors influencing practices that increase the risk for developing melanoma. Our survey of 356 Air Force flight line personnel showed that 67% of their career required working in direct sunlight, 94.7% of personnel know that it is recommended to use sun blocking methods, yet the majority do not regularly use sun protective measures. Our results suggest that the increased incidence of melanoma in the U.S. Air Force may be due to the type or duration of ultraviolet exposure.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aerospace Medicine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Melanoma; Military Facilities; Military Personnel; Occupational Exposure; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 25562854
DOI: 10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00091 -
Journal of Hypertension Oct 2019
Topics: Diuretics; Humans; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Thiazides
PubMed: 31464861
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000002174 -
BMC Medical Education Jan 2023High levels of vitamin D deficiency are commonly reported even in regions with abundant sunshine. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the determinants...
BACKGROUND
High levels of vitamin D deficiency are commonly reported even in regions with abundant sunshine. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the determinants that influence sun exposure practices. As the primary source of health-related knowledge for the general public, the attitude of the healthcare professionals towards sunlight and their awareness related to vitamin D deficiency can be critical in this regard.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,242 physicians, intern doctors, and senior medical students in Bangladesh from October 2019 to February 2020. A pre-tested structured questionnaire (containing twelve close-ended questions) was used. The perceptions of health risks due to sun exposure, and basic knowledge of the physiological and epidemiological aspects of vitamin D deficiency were tested.
RESULTS
An overall negative attitude towards sunlight in the context of Bangladesh was highlighted - 68% participants thought regular sun exposure would be harmful or very harmful; 26% thought the level of UV radiation was very high; 44% recommended using sunscreen always; skin burns, heat stroke, and cancer were selected as potential consequences of regular sun exposure by 45%, 21%, and 30% respondents respectively. Overall knowledge regarding vitamin D deficiency appeared to be biased towards bone health; other symptoms and associated illnesses not having obvious link to Calcium-metabolism were identified much lesser frequently. Furthermore, 'sunrise to 10 am' was identified as the best time to get vitamin D by 69% participants; 60% believed < 30 min of weekly sun exposure would be sufficient for the Bangladeshi population; an only 33% identified that prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in Bangladesh would be 50% or more. Taking vitamin D-rich food was suggested by more respondents over regular sun exposure (43% vs. 33%) as more effective remedial strategy to curb vitamin D deficiency in Bangladesh.
CONCLUSION
In addition to highlighting some crucial knowledge gaps, results from this study provides a comprehensive baseline dataset for knowledge and attitude regarding the public health aspects of vitamin D deficiency among the healthcare providers in Bangladesh, which would be generalizable to other countries with similar socio-demographic context, and will facilitate taking more effective policies worldwide.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sunlight; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Vitamin D Deficiency; Health Personnel; Perception
PubMed: 36670407
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04001-0