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Australian Family Physician Jul 2007Actinic keratoses (AK) commonly occur in the caucasian population living in environments of high levels of sun exposure, and are considered to be a marker for chronic... (Review)
Review
Actinic keratoses (AK) commonly occur in the caucasian population living in environments of high levels of sun exposure, and are considered to be a marker for chronic sun damage. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and current debate on AK as precancerous lesions. The various treatment options for AK, including combination therapy, are also discussed.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antimetabolites; Australia; Cryotherapy; Diclofenac; Fluorouracil; Humans; Photosensitivity Disorders; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight
PubMed: 17619671
DOI: No ID Found -
Annals of Epidemiology Nov 2015To examine the joint effect of sun exposure and sunburn on nevus counts (on the natural logarithm scale; log nevi) and the role of sun sensitivity.
PURPOSE
To examine the joint effect of sun exposure and sunburn on nevus counts (on the natural logarithm scale; log nevi) and the role of sun sensitivity.
METHODS
We describe an analysis of cross-sectional data from 443 children enrolled in the prospective Study of Nevi in Children. To evaluate the joint effect, we partitioned the sum of squares because of interaction between sunburn and sun exposure into orthogonal components representing (1) monotonic increase in log nevi with increasing sun exposure (rate of increase of log nevi depends on sunburn), and (2) nonmonotonic pattern.
RESULTS
In unadjusted analyses, there was a marginally significant monotonic pattern of interaction (P = .08). In adjusted analyses, sun exposure was associated with higher log nevi among those without sunburn (P < .001), but not among those with sunburn (P = .14). Sunburn was independently associated with log nevi (P = .02), even though sun sensitivity explained 29% (95% confidence interval: 2%-56%, P = .04) of its effect. Children with high sun sensitivity and sunburn had more nevi, regardless of sun exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
A program of increasing sun protection in early childhood as a strategy for reducing nevi, when applied to the general population, may not equally benefit everyone.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Massachusetts; Nevus; Prospective Studies; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 26096189
DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2015.05.004 -
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &... Oct 2014We previously reported a significant association between higher UV radiation exposure before diagnosis and greater survival with melanoma in a population-based study in...
BACKGROUND
We previously reported a significant association between higher UV radiation exposure before diagnosis and greater survival with melanoma in a population-based study in Connecticut. We sought to evaluate the hypothesis that sun exposure before diagnosis was associated with greater survival in a larger, international population-based study with more detailed exposure information.
METHODS
We conducted a multicenter, international population-based study in four countries-Australia, Italy, Canada, and the United States-with 3,578 cases of melanoma with an average of 7.4 years of follow-up. Measures of sun exposure included sunburn, intermittent exposure, hours of holiday sun exposure, hours of water-related outdoor activities, ambient ultraviolet B (280-320 nm) dose, histologic solar elastosis, and season of diagnosis.
RESULTS
Results were not strongly supportive of the earlier hypothesis. Having had any sunburn in 1 year within 10 years of diagnosis was inversely associated with survival; solar elastosis-a measure of lifetime cumulative exposure-was not. In addition, none of the intermittent exposure measures-water-related activities and sunny holidays-were associated with melanoma-specific survival. Estimated ambient UVB dose was not associated with survival.
CONCLUSION
Although there was an apparent protective effect of sunburns within 10 years of diagnosis, there was only weak evidence in this large, international, population-based study of melanoma that sun exposure before diagnosis is associated with greater melanoma-specific survival.
IMPACT
This study adds to the evidence that sun exposure before melanoma diagnosis has little effect on survival with melanoma.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Melanoma; Proportional Hazards Models; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight
PubMed: 25069694
DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-14-0431 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2022Inadequate health and nutritional literacy is a common problem among adults, associated with poor health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the...
BACKGROUND
Inadequate health and nutritional literacy is a common problem among adults, associated with poor health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy and nutritional literacy to sun exposure behaviour.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study on 261 adults (18-65 years) in Iran. Data was collected on knowledge, motivation, health literacy, nutritional literacy, and sun exposure behaviour using an interview-assisted questionnaire. Using the information-motivation-behavioural skills model and structural equation modeling, we tested whether health and nutritional literacy were associated with the relationships between knowledge of vitamin D, attitudes toward sun exposure, and sun exposure behaviour. Different models using structural equation modeling were performed to analyze the data.
RESULTS
The finding showed that health literacy (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and nutritional literacy (β = 0.14, p = 0.02) was directly associated with sunlight exposure. Indirect relationships also existed between knowledge and sunlight exposure through health literacy (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) and nutritional literacy (β = 0.22, p = 0.01). The model had good fit (x/df = 1.422; RMSEA = 0.040; CFI = 0.851; NFI = 0.657). There was no significant relationship between health literacy and motivation (β = 0.11, p = 0.16), nutritional literacy and motivation (β = 0.06, p = 0.42) and motivation and sun exposure (β = 0.01, p = 0.91).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings showed that individuals with sufficient health literacy and nutritional literacy were more likely to have exposure to sunlight. Health and nutritional literacy should be considered when educating adults about vitamin D supplements and sunlight exposure.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Literacy; Humans; Latent Class Analysis; Sunlight; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 35689215
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13465-6 -
Australian and New Zealand Journal of... Oct 2021To inform skin cancer prevention policies and campaigns, we investigated changes over time in sun protection behaviours, sunburn, sun exposure and shade availability in...
OBJECTIVE
To inform skin cancer prevention policies and campaigns, we investigated changes over time in sun protection behaviours, sunburn, sun exposure and shade availability in public spaces among people living in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 2003 and 2016.
METHODS
We analysed cross-sectional data from the NSW Population Health Survey collected in 2003, 2007, 2014 and 2016, which included approximately 15,000 respondents of all ages in each year. Logistic regression models were used to analyse overall changes over time and for different age, sex and sociodemographic groups.
RESULTS
The use of sunscreen and protective clothing and the availability of shade increased between 2003 and 2016, but sunburn and sun exposure during peak times of ultraviolet radiation also increased. In subgroup analyses, there was no improvement in sun protection behaviours among adolescents and increases in sunburn and sun exposure were observed only among adults, particularly women and in areas with less social disadvantage.
CONCLUSIONS
Sun protection behaviours have improved over time among some population subgroups, but over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation remains prevalent. Implications for public health: Skin cancer prevention initiatives that specifically target adolescents and sun exposure during peak times are needed to help reduce population skin cancer risk.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; New South Wales; Protective Clothing; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 34028925
DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13112 -
Association between sunlight exposure and risk of age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis.BMC Ophthalmology Dec 2018A substantial number of epidemiological studies have investigated the possible associations between sunlight exposure and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), but the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A substantial number of epidemiological studies have investigated the possible associations between sunlight exposure and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), but the results from studies are inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between sunlight exposure and the risk of AMD.
METHODS
Relevant studies were searched using databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science database. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality. The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled covariates-adjusted odds ratio (OR). Subgroup analyses based on study design, stage of AMD, method of exposure assessment, and study latitude were carried out. The heterogeneity across the studies was tested, as was publication bias.
RESULTS
Fourteen eligible studies including 43,934 individuals based on the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The pooled OR for sunlight exposure and AMD was 1.10 (95% CI = 0.98-1.23). In addition, similar insignificant results were observed in further subgroup analyses based on stage of AMD, method of exposure assessment, and study latitude. Sun-avoidance behavior did not decrease the risk of AMD (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.76-1.67). Moderate heterogeneity was observed in most of analyses.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that sunlight exposure may not be associated with increased risk of AMD based on current published data.
Topics: Bias; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Odds Ratio; Research Design; Risk Factors; Sunlight
PubMed: 30572865
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-018-1004-y -
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 -
Nutrients Dec 2022Vitamin D insufficiency impacts about half of the population worldwide. Almost one billion individuals across all ages and ethnicities suffer from vitamin D deficiency....
Vitamin D insufficiency impacts about half of the population worldwide. Almost one billion individuals across all ages and ethnicities suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Hypovitaminosis D is mainly related to lifestyle choices and habits, such as outdoor activities and food intake. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between vitamin D status and anxiety symptoms. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between anxiety and factors including age, vitamin D deficiency, citizens, dietary and supplementary vitamin D intake, along with sun exposure, among a sample of female college students in the United Arab Emirates. A descriptive questionnaire, including a short version of the generalized anxiety disorder scale, food frequency questionnaire, and sun avoidance inventory, was used to assess the relationship between the dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods and supplements, along with sun avoidance/exposure and generalized anxiety, among a total of 386 female participants aged 18 and above. The findings showed clear evidence that sun avoidance behaviors are strongly associated with an elevated risk of generalized anxiety disorder among adult females in the United Arab Emirates.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Vitamin D; Sunlight; Vitamins; Vitamin D Deficiency; Dietary Supplements; Anxiety; Eating
PubMed: 36558485
DOI: 10.3390/nu14245327 -
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Nov 1986A group of patients is described who developed the clinical features of foveomacular retinitis. No causative factors were isolated, and all patients strongly denied any...
A group of patients is described who developed the clinical features of foveomacular retinitis. No causative factors were isolated, and all patients strongly denied any type of sun gazing. It is possible that there is a group of patients who have the features of foveomacular retinitis but have not had any direct exposure to the sun. These patients would then constitute a primary type of foveomacular retinitis, as opposed to a secondary type which has a known cause and is synonymous with solar retinopathy.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Fovea Centralis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pigment Epithelium of Eye; Retinitis; Sunlight
PubMed: 3790482
DOI: 10.1136/bjo.70.11.816 -
Cancer Epidemiology Dec 2015In both Sweden and Australia high incidence rates of skin cancer have become a major health problem. In prevention and risk communication, it is important to have...
BACKGROUND
In both Sweden and Australia high incidence rates of skin cancer have become a major health problem. In prevention and risk communication, it is important to have reliable ways for identifying people with risky sun habits. In this study the validity and reliability of the questionnaire Sun Exposure Protection Index (SEPI), developed to assess individual's sun habits and their propensity to increase sun protection during routine, often brief, clinical encounters, has been evaluated. The aim of our study was to evaluate validity and reliability of the proposed SEPI scoring instrument, in two countries with markedly different ultraviolet radiation environments (Sweden and Australia).
METHOD
Two subpopulations in Sweden and Australia respectively were asked to fill out the SEPI together with the previously evaluated Readiness to Alter Sun Protective Behaviour questionnaire (RASP-B) and the associated Sun-protective Behaviours Questionnaire. To test reliability, the SEPI was again filled out by the subjects one month later.
RESULTS
Comparison between SEPI and the questions in the Sun-protective Behaviours Questionnaire, analyzed with Spearman's Rho, showed good correlations regarding sun habits. Comparison between SEPI and RASP-B regarding propensity to increase sun protection showed concurrently lower SEPI mean scores for action stage, but no difference between precontemplation and contemplation stages. The SEPI test-retest analysis indicated stability over time. Internal consistency of the SEPI, assessed with Cronbach's alpha estimation showed values marginally lower than the desired >0.70 coefficient value generally recommended, and was somewhat negatively affected by the question on sunscreen use, likely related to the classic "sunscreen paradox". There were some differences in the performance of the SEPI between the Swedish and Australian samples, possibly due to the influence of "available" sunlight and differing attitudes to behaviour and protection "at home" and on vacation.
CONCLUSIONS
SEPI appears to be a stable instrument with an overall acceptable validity and reliability, applicable for use in populations exposed to different UVR environments, in order to evaluate individual sun exposure and protection.
Topics: Adult; Australia; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Skin Neoplasms; Sunbathing; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sweden; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 26547793
DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2015.10.022