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American Journal of Preventive Medicine May 2021Sunburn increases skin cancer risk and is common among U.S. adults. However, little is known about the contexts in which sunburns often occur. The purpose of this study...
INTRODUCTION
Sunburn increases skin cancer risk and is common among U.S. adults. However, little is known about the contexts in which sunburns often occur. The purpose of this study is to examine the contextual factors surrounding sunburns among U.S. adults.
METHODS
Cross-sectional data from a 2018 online panel survey were analyzed. A total of 4,088 panel members were recruited by mail using probability-based, random sampling by address. Respondents were asked about their most recent sunburn, and analyses were limited to those who remembered their most recent sunburn (N=3,106). Data were weighted to match the U.S. Current Population Survey proportions; analyses were conducted in 2018 and 2019.
RESULTS
Participants' age ranged from 18 to 93 years. About half (50.8%) were women, and most (82.3%) were non-Hispanic White adults. Swimming or spending time in water (32.5%), working outside at home (26.2%), traveling/vacationing (20.7%), and engaging in nonswimming physical activity (14.2%) were the most frequently reported activities. Using sunscreen on the face, neck, and chest (38.8%) and on the body (19.9%) and wearing sunglasses (34.2%) were the most frequently reported sun safety behaviors. Wearing clothes to the ankles (6.6%) and a long-sleeved shirt (4.5%) were least frequently reported.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides new information about the contexts in which adult sunburns often occur, especially about contexts unrelated to intentional tanning, which was relatively infrequent. The results suggest the need to promote multiple forms of sun protection tailored to specific outdoor activities and develop innovative solutions for outdoor physical and aquatic activities, which present unique sun safety challenges.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Skin Neoplasms; Sunbathing; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Young Adult
PubMed: 33589300
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.12.011 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Mar 2012Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Lifeguards are at increased risk of excessive sun exposure and sunburn.
BACKGROUND
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Lifeguards are at increased risk of excessive sun exposure and sunburn.
OBJECTIVES
We sought to examine changes in: (1) sunburn frequency over a summer while controlling for sun exposure, sun protection habits, and participation in a skin cancer prevention program; and (2) tanning attitudes while controlling for participation in the program.
METHODS
Participants in this study were lifeguards (n = 3014) at swimming pools participating in the Pool Cool program in 2005. Lifeguards completed surveys at the beginning and end of the summer. Sequential regression analyses were used to assess changes in sunburn frequency and tanning attitudes.
RESULTS
Sunburn frequency decreased between baseline and follow-up. Having a sunburn over the summer was significantly predicted by baseline sunburn history, ethnicity, skin cancer risk, and sun exposure. The tanning attitude, "People are more attractive if they have a tan," was significantly predicted from baseline tanning attitude and ethnicity. The second tanning attitude, "It helps to have a good base suntan," was significantly predicted by baseline tanning attitude, ethnicity, basic/enhanced group, and moderate skin cancer risk.
LIMITATIONS
Self-reported data and limited generalizability to lifeguards at other outdoor pools are limitations.
CONCLUSION
The findings showed that previous sunburn history is an important predictor of sunburn prospectively. In addition, a more risky tanning attitude is an important predictor of future attitudes toward tanning. Active involvement in targeted prevention programs may help to increase preventive behavior and health risk reduction.
Topics: Adolescent; Attitude to Health; Female; Humans; Male; Rescue Work; Risk Factors; Risk Reduction Behavior; Seasons; Skin Neoplasms; Sunbathing; Sunburn; Surveys and Questionnaires; Swimming Pools; Young Adult
PubMed: 21745696
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.050 -
Australian and New Zealand Journal of... Feb 2013To examine the change in sun protective behaviours and sunburn of Australians over a seven-year period, in the context of sustained skin cancer prevention campaigns and...
AIMS
To examine the change in sun protective behaviours and sunburn of Australians over a seven-year period, in the context of sustained skin cancer prevention campaigns and programs.
METHODS
Weekly cross-sectional telephone interviews of Australians were conducted throughout summer in 2010/11 for comparison with 2003/04 and 2006/07. In 2010/11, n=1,367 adolescents (12-17 years) and n=5,412 adults (18-69 years) were interviewed about their sun-related attitudes, weekend sun protection and sunburn. Multivariate analyses adjusted for key demographics, temperature, cloud, wind and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) to assess change in outcomes over time.
RESULTS
There were consistent improvements in adolescents' and adults' attitudes, intentional tanning and incidence of sunburn over time. Behavioural changes were variable. Adults spent less time outdoors during peak UVR compared to past surveys, while adolescents were less likely to be outdoors compared with 2006/07. Sunscreen use and wearing of long sleeves increased among adults, but hat wearing decreased for both age groups, as did leg cover by adolescents since 2003/04. There has been a sustained decrease in weekend sunburn among adolescents and adults.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest improvements in skin cancer prevention attitudes of Australians over time. Australians' compliance with sun protection during summer has improved in some areas, but is still far from ideal. The sustained decrease in weekend sunburn among adolescents and adults is encouraging, but further improvements are required.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Australia; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Incidence; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Population Surveillance; Prevalence; Protective Clothing; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Telephone; Young Adult
PubMed: 23379808
DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12012 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2016Excessive sun exposure and sunburn increase individuals' risk of skin cancer. It is especially important to prevent sunburn in childhood due to the higher relative risk...
BACKGROUND
Excessive sun exposure and sunburn increase individuals' risk of skin cancer. It is especially important to prevent sunburn in childhood due to the higher relative risk of skin cancer across the life span compared to risk associated with sunburn episodes experienced later in life. This study examined demographic and attitudinal factors associated with engagement in a range of sun protection behaviours (wearing a hat, wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade, and staying indoors during the middle of the day) and the frequency of sunburn among Western Australian adolescents to provide insights of relevance for future sun protection campaigns.
METHODS
Cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted annually with Western Australians between 2005/06 and 2014/15. The results from 4150 adolescents aged 14-17 years were used to conduct a path analysis of factors predicting various sun protection behaviours and sunburn.
RESULTS
Significant primary predictors of the sun protection behaviours included in the study were skin type (sun sensitivity), gender, tanning-related attitudes and behaviours, and perceived relevance of public service advertisements that advocate sun protection. Of the four sun protection behaviours investigated, staying in the shade and staying indoors during the middle of the day were associated with a lower frequency of sunburn.
CONCLUSION
There is a particular need to target sun protection messages at adolescent males who are less likely to engage in the most effective sun protection behaviours and demonstrate an increased propensity to experience sunburn. The results suggest that such future sun protection messages should include a focus on the importance of staying in the shade or indoors during periods of high UV radiation to increase awareness of the efficacy of these methods of avoiding skin cancer.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Incidence; Male; Protective Clothing; Skin Neoplasms; Sunbathing; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Telephone; Western Australia
PubMed: 27411518
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3197-4 -
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 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) 2006Photosensitive skin reactions occur when human skin reacts to ultraviolet radiation or visible light abnormally. The forms of photosensitivity are phototoxicity and... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Photosensitive skin reactions occur when human skin reacts to ultraviolet radiation or visible light abnormally. The forms of photosensitivity are phototoxicity and photoallergy. Phototoxic disorders have a high incidence, whereas photoallergic reactions are much less frequent in human population. Several hundred substances, chemicals, or drugs may invoke phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. In order to avoid photosensitive reactions it is essential to determine the photosensitizing properties of such substances before drugs are introduced in therapy or products made available on the market. The article reviews the mechanisms of photosensitization, explains the most important differences between phototoxic and photoallergic reactions, summarizes the most common photosensitizers, and presents the clinical features and diagnostic procedures of phototoxic and photoallergic reactions.
Topics: Adult; Child; Dermatitis, Photoallergic; Dermatitis, Phototoxic; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Photosensitivity Disorders; Skin Tests; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 16963827
DOI: No ID Found -
Tidsskrift For Den Norske Laegeforening... Jan 2020
Topics: Humans; Sunburn
PubMed: 31948212
DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.19.0795 -
JAMA Dermatology Sep 2021This cross-sectional study examines sunburn in claims data as well as the clinical settings and demographic characteristics of patients who receive sunburn diagnoses.
This cross-sectional study examines sunburn in claims data as well as the clinical settings and demographic characteristics of patients who receive sunburn diagnoses.
Topics: Demography; Humans; Melanoma; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 34379105
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2923 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood Feb 2006As skin cancer education programmes directed to children and adolescents continue to expand, an epidemiological basis for these programmes is necessary to target efforts... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
As skin cancer education programmes directed to children and adolescents continue to expand, an epidemiological basis for these programmes is necessary to target efforts and plan for further evaluation.
AIMS
To summarise the epidemiological evidence on sun exposure during childhood and adolescence and melanoma risk.
METHODS
A literature review was conducted using Medline (1966 to December 2004) to identify articles relating to sun exposure and melanoma. The review was restricted to studies that included sun exposure information on subjects 18 years of age or younger.
RESULTS
Migrant studies generally indicate an increased melanoma risk in individuals who spent childhood in sunny geographical locations, and decreasing melanoma risk with older age at arrival. Individuals who resided in geographical locations close to the equator or close to the coast during childhood and/or adolescence have an increased melanoma risk compared to those who lived at higher latitudes or never lived near the coast. The intermittent exposure hypothesis remains controversial; some studies indicate that children and adolescents who received intermittent sun exposure during vacation, recreation, or occupation are at increased melanoma risk as adults, but more recent studies suggest intermittent exposure to have a protective effect. The majority of sunburn studies suggest a positive association between early age sunburn and subsequent risk of melanoma.
CONCLUSION
Future research efforts should focus on: (1) clarifying the relation between sun exposure and melanoma; (2) conducting prospective studies; (3) assessing sun exposure during different time periods of life using a reliable and quantitative method; (4) obtaining information on protective measures; and (5) examining the interrelations between ability to tan, propensity to burn, skin type, history of sunburns, timing and pattern of sun exposure, number of nevi, and other host factors in the child and adolescent populations.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Child; Emigration and Immigration; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight
PubMed: 16326797
DOI: 10.1136/adc.2005.086918 -
Preventive Medicine Jun 2014To examine the association between demographic and behavioral characteristics and sunburn among U.S. adults. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between demographic and behavioral characteristics and sunburn among U.S. adults.
METHOD
We used 2010 National Health Interview Survey data (N=24,970) to conduct multivariable logistic regressions examining associations with having 1 or more sunburns in the past year and having 4 or more sunburns in the past year.
RESULTS
Overall, 37.1% of adults experienced sunburn in the past year. The adjusted prevalence of sunburn was particularly common among adults aged 18-29years (52.0%), those who repeatedly burn or freckle after 2weeks in the sun (45.9%), whites (44.3%), indoor tanners (44.1%), those with a family history of melanoma (43.9%), and those who are US-born (39.5%). Physical activity, alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity were positively associated with sunburn (all P<0.001); sun protection behaviors were not significantly associated with sunburn (P=0.35). Among those who were sunburned in the past year, 12.1% experienced 4 or more sunburns.
CONCLUSION
Sunburn is common, particularly among younger adults, those with a more sun-sensitive skin type, whites, those with a family history of melanoma, the highly physically active, and indoor tanners. Efforts are needed to facilitate sun-safety during outdoor recreation, improve the consistency of sun protection practices, and prevent sunburn, particularly among these subgroups.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Exposure; Female; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Socioeconomic Factors; Sunbathing; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays; United States; Young Adult
PubMed: 24589442
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.02.018