Dataset Information

Toward a precision behavioral medicine approach to addressing high-risk sun exposure: a qualitative analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Precision behavioral medicine techniques integrating wearable ultraviolet radiation (UVR) sensors may help individuals avoid sun exposure that places them at-risk for skin cancer. As a preliminary step in our patient-centered process of developing a just-in-time adaptive intervention, this study evaluated reactions and preferences to UVR sensors among melanoma survivors.

Materials and methods

Early stage adult melanoma survivors were recruited for a focus group (n = 11) or 10-day observational study, which included daily wearing a UVR sensor and sun exposure surveys (n = 39). Both the focus group moderator guide and observational study exit interviews included questions on UVR sensing as a potential intervention strategy. These responses were transcribed and coded using an inductive strategy.

Results

Most observational study participants (84.6%) said they would find information provided by UVR sensors to be useful to help them learn about how specific conditions (eg, clouds, location) impact sun exposure and provide in-the-moment alerts. Focus group participants expressed enthusiasm for UVR information and identified preferred qualities of a UVR sensor, such as small size and integration with other devices. Participants in both studies indicated concern that UVR feedback may be difficult to interpret and some expressed that a UVR sensor may not be convenient or desirable to wear in daily life.

Discussion

Melanoma survivors believe that personalized UVR exposure information could improve their sun protection and want this information delivered in a method that is meaningful and actionable.

Conclusion

UVR sensing is a promising component of a precision behavioral medicine strategy to reduce skin cancer risk.

SUBMITTER: Stump TK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6994011 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Toward a precision behavioral medicine approach to addressing high-risk sun exposure: a qualitative analysis.

Stump Tammy K TK Spring Bonnie B Marchese Sara Hoffman SH Alshurafa Nabil N Robinson June K JK

JAMIA open 20190916 4

<h4>Objectives</h4>Precision behavioral medicine techniques integrating wearable ultraviolet radiation (UVR) sensors may help individuals avoid sun exposure that places them at-risk for skin cancer. As a preliminary step in our patient-centered process of developing a just-in-time adaptive intervention, this study evaluated reactions and preferences to UVR sensors among melanoma survivors.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>Early stage adult melanoma survivors were recruited for a focus group (<i>n </ ...[more]

PMID: 32025652

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Project description: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 d = 0.84). In total, 26 interviews were performed (n = 17 mothers, n = 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.

Dataset Information

Toward a precision behavioral medicine approach to addressing high-risk sun exposure: a qualitative analysis.

Objectives

Materials and methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Publications

Toward a precision behavioral medicine approach to addressing high-risk sun exposure: a qualitative analysis.

Similar Datasets

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