RESUMEN
Despite expanding knowledge regarding the genetics of melanoma, there have been few attempts to define the psychosocial experiences of individuals with a family history of this disease. This study explored the ways in which individuals at varying levels of risk perceive, and respond to, melanoma. Forty semi-structured interviews were undertaken with affected (n = 20) and unaffected (n = 20) individuals with or without a family history of melanoma. Data were analysed for potential thematic differences between risk groups, genders, and intentions to pursue genetic testing for melanoma risk. Overall, participants with a family history were in acceptance of their increased risk status and had developed ways of coping without major disruption to their daily lives. However, some participants expressed ambiguity regarding the causes of melanoma and the effectiveness of health behaviours such as sun protection. Major thematic patterns identified for those intending to pursue genetic testing were: negative emotional associations with melanoma; an emphasis on screening and sun avoidance, but not sun protection; and heightened perceptions of personal susceptibility to melanoma. In contrast, thematic patterns identified for those likely to decline testing were: ready access to stories of melanoma survival; and an emphasis on the causal role of sun exposure, whilst still believing that genetic factors may contribute to melanoma susceptibility. Compared to males, females reported a greater tendency to completely avoid the sun in order to reduce their melanoma risk. The data provide preliminary evidence for the importance of identifying misconceptions that may impede informed decision-making about genetic testing for melanoma risk.
Asunto(s)
Actitud Frente a la Salud , Cultura , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Melanoma/epidemiología , Melanoma/genética , Neoplasias Cutáneas/epidemiología , Neoplasias Cutáneas/etiología , Adaptación Psicológica , Adulto , Afecto , Australia/epidemiología , Femenino , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad/epidemiología , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Masculino , Melanoma/psicología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Psicología , Factores de Riesgo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors related to hypovitaminosis D in the population over 64 years of age without known risk factors of hypovitaminosis D. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: It was a cross-sectional population study in individuals over 64 year-old attending basic healthcare areas in our hospital's area of reference. A survey was conducted to assess various items (functional capacity, exposure to sun, walks, eating habits). Blood samples taken from each participant were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 239 individuals -mean age (standard deviation): 72 (5.4) years- were evaluated. 95% of the participants scored > 90 on the Barthel index. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 -25(OH)D3- concentration was 17 (7.5) ng/ml and intact parathormone was 60 (26 pg/ml). The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 87%, including 70.3% with insufficiency (25(OH)D3 between 11 and 25 ng/ml) and 16.7% with deficiency (25(OH)D3 < or = 10 ng/ml). The intake of vitamin D and calcium were below recommended levels. The principal source of vitamin D was oily fish. Participants with deficiency scored lower on the Barthel index, had a higher mean age, lived in flats, had less exposure to sun, and used to walk less in sun-hours. Higher levels of alkaline phosphatase and intact parathormone were found in participants with deficiency. The variables independently and significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency were a Barthel score < or = 90, scant exposure to sun and living in a flat. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the population aged over 64 years in our area, which is associated with lower functional capacity, scant exposure to sun and living in flats.
Asunto(s)
Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/epidemiología , Anciano , Fosfatasa Alcalina/sangre , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Hormona Paratiroidea/sangre , Prevalencia , España/epidemiología , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/sangreRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States and is rising rapidly; however, most skin cancers are preventable. Compared to self-report, direct observational methodologies could be a more valid and reliable tool for assessing sun protective behaviors within a specific environment. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to assess the sun protection practices of beachgoers using a reliable observational measure. METHODS: A systematic observation system for assessing sun protective behaviors among beachgoers was developed. Data were collected by 2 raters over 3 days using momentary ecological sampling methods. Individuals in a representative zone were assessed for head wear, upper body wear, sunglasses use, shade use, and gender. RESULTS: Over the 3 days, Observers A and B made 1,678 and 1,725 observations, respectively. Interrater reliability ranged from 0.77 to 0.99. Hats, sunglasses, shirts, and shade were all used by less than 30% of the population. Sun protection behaviors varied by time of day and cloud cover. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable, observational measure designed to assess population behavior at the setting level showed low use of sun protection practices among beachgoers. Test-retest reliability, the inclusion of low body protection, coding for age, and skin tone are recommended for future versions of this system.
Asunto(s)
Playas/estadística & datos numéricos , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Quemadura Solar/prevención & control , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Serum vitamin D level was measured in 122 patients with learning disabilities in long-term care wards. Such people are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. Low vitamin D is often attributed to lack of sunshine, poor dietary intake and the deleterious effect of anticonvulsant therapy. The results of this study confirmed that a low level of vitamin D (14.38 +/- 7.9 nmol/l) prevails, regardless of anticonvulsant usage. Sunshine exposure was virtually non-existent for most patients. Research has shown that when sunlight exposure is limited, osteomalacia in the British Asian community is determined by dietary factors. Our subjects had three types of diet: standard, soft and tube feeding. For both males and females, the tube feeding group had a significantly higher mean level of vitamin D than the other groups. Regular sunshine exposure is recommended for people requiring long-term infirmary care; alternatively, dietary supplement of vitamin D should be considered.
Asunto(s)
Hospitalización/estadística & datos numéricos , Discapacidades para el Aprendizaje/epidemiología , Tiempo de Internación/estadística & datos numéricos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/sangre , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anticonvulsivantes/efectos adversos , Estudios Transversales , Epilepsia/tratamiento farmacológico , Epilepsia/epidemiología , Femenino , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Hong Kong/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Osteomalacia/epidemiología , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The incidence of skin cancer has had a rapid increase in Sweden during the last 20 years. Sun exposure is an important preventable risk factor for skin cancer. It is essential to develop interventions to change people's exposure to the sun. The perception of own susceptibility to harm is essential in theories about self-protective behaviour. The aim of the present paper was to examine the associations between different risk perceptions, sun-related behaviour, readiness to change, and optimism bias. METHOD: A total of 722 visitors of a mobile skin cancer screening unit answered a questionnaire in the summer of 2001. The campaign was conducted at five different locations in Sweden. RESULTS: The participants in this study seemed to have realistic believes about the contribution of solar radiation to the risk of developing skin cancer, however, they seriously underestimated skin cancer incidence in the population and the impact of skin cancer on general health. CONCLUSION: People concerned about skin cancer seem to be aware of the fact that sun exposure is an important risk factor for skin cancer, but they fail to use this information in a consistent way to formulate a judgment of their own vulnerability to harm. People need to be informed about the high incidence of skin cancer, the personal risk factors of skin cancer, and the fact that unintentional as well as intentional sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
Asunto(s)
Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Melanoma/prevención & control , Conducta de Reducción del Riesgo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Luz Solar/efectos adversos , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Helioterapia/efectos adversos , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Melanoma/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Autocuidado , Neoplasias Cutáneas/epidemiología , Protectores Solares , Suecia/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major preventable cause of skin cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the explanatory value of attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control on behaviours related to UV exposure. METHOD: A random population-based sample (n = 1752, 18-37 years of age) in the Stockholm County, Sweden, answered a questionnaire with items on sun related behaviours and beliefs. The items concerned issues influenced by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, that is, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between behaviours and beliefs. RESULTS: Positive attitudes towards being tanned and being in the sun were both strongly associated with time spent in the sun, intentional tanning, sunbed use, going on vacation to a sunny resort, intention to decrease sunbathing and use of protection against the sun. Perceiving sunbathing as risky was associated with using different ways to protect and intending to reduce sun exposure. Having people around oneself who frequently sunbathe was related to intentional tanning and vacations to sunny resorts. Finally, perceived behavioural control was associated with use of sunscreen and use of other ways to protect from the sun among women. CONCLUSION: The study identified factors on which primary preventive interventions towards decreasing sun exposure should be focused.
Asunto(s)
Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Quemadura Solar/epidemiología , Quemadura Solar/prevención & control , Adolescente , Adulto , Distribución por Edad , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Incidencia , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Distribución por Sexo , Quemadura Solar/tratamiento farmacológico , Protectores Solares/uso terapéutico , Suecia/epidemiología , Viaje/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the United States. Primary prevention practices for skin cancer are fully documented in the literature for reducing the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation on skin. Late adolescents, inherent to their young age and risk-taking behaviors, are more likely to sunbathe. The cancer attitudes and suntanning knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors among college students were examined. Gender-specific interventions for educating this age group are recommended.
Asunto(s)
Actitud Frente a la Salud , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Neoplasias Cutáneas , Estudiantes/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Educación en Salud/normas , Helioterapia/efectos adversos , Helioterapia/psicología , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Modelos Psicológicos , Evaluación de Necesidades , New York/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Asunción de Riesgos , Factores Sexuales , Neoplasias Cutáneas/epidemiología , Neoplasias Cutáneas/etiología , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine melanoma-related knowledge, sun exposure, and sun protection to determine whether increased awareness is associated with a reduction in risk. DESIGN: Quantitative/empiricist study conducted by purpose- designed mailed questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS: Consultant oncologists at one teaching hospital in London, England; specialist registrars (oncologists in training) contacted through a London-based educational group; oncology-trained nursing staff from oncology departments at two London teaching hospitals; medical students; general (nononcology) nurses; and members of the lay public from one London teaching hospital. SETTING: Two teaching hospitals in London, both registered cancer centers that possess specialist departments of oncology and are staffed by clinical and medical oncologists. METHODS: Anonymous, self-completion, mailed questionnaire. RESEARCH VARIABLES: Sun exposure; use of sun protection and avoidance; knowledge of the biologic effects of sun exposure, moles, and malignant melanoma; melanoma-prone behavior. FINDINGS: No significant differences were found in sun exposure or melanoma-prone behavior across the five groups studied. No correlation existed between knowledge and melanoma-prone behavior. Differences in knowledge and protection scores were demonstrated across all groups and were statistically significant, but they did not translate into changes in exposure or behavior scores. CONCLUSIONS: Public health policy that seeks to reduce the incidence of melanoma is based on the false premise that increasing awareness of melanoma risk will reduce melanoma-prone behavior. Increasing awareness of the risks of sun exposure may improve the use of sun protection, but it does not reduce melanoma-prone behavior, even among specialist healthcare professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: This study provides a new epidemiologic tool for nurses working in the specialty.
Asunto(s)
Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Melanoma/prevención & control , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Adulto , Distribución por Edad , Femenino , Promoción de la Salud , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Incidencia , Londres/epidemiología , Masculino , Oncología Médica/estadística & datos numéricos , Melanoma/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermería Oncológica/estadística & datos numéricos , Vigilancia de la Población , Psicología , Sector Público/estadística & datos numéricos , Asunción de Riesgos , Neoplasias Cutáneas/epidemiología , Estudiantes de Medicina/estadística & datos numéricos , Quemadura Solar/epidemiología , Protectores Solares/administración & dosificación , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Melanoma incidence is rising at a rate faster than any other preventable cancer in the United States. Childhood exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases risk for skin cancer as an adult, thus starting positive sun protection habits early may be key to reducing the incidence of this disease. METHODS: The Environmental Protection Agency's SunWise School Program, a national environmental and health education program for sun safety of children in primary and secondary schools (grades K-8), was evaluated with surveys administered to participating students and faculty. RESULTS: Pretests (n = 5,625) and posttests (n = 5,028) were completed by students in 102 schools in 42 states. Significant improvement was noted for the three knowledge variables. Intentions to play in the shade increased from 68% to 75%(p < 0.001) with more modest changes in intentions to use sunscreen. Attitudes regarding healthiness of a tan also decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Brief, standardized sun protection education can be efficiently interwoven into existing school curricula, and result in improvements in knowledge and positive intentions for sun protection.
Asunto(s)
Conducta del Adolescente , Educación en Salud , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Servicios de Salud Escolar , Cuidados de la Piel/métodos , Quemadura Solar/prevención & control , Luz Solar/efectos adversos , Adolescente , Análisis de Varianza , Niño , Femenino , Helioterapia/efectos adversos , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Illinois/epidemiología , Masculino , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de Salud , Ropa de Protección/estadística & datos numéricos , Distribución por Sexo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Quemadura Solar/epidemiología , Protectores Solares/uso terapéutico , Estados Unidos , United States Environmental Protection AgencyRESUMEN
Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers in the United States. Although avoiding sun exposure and using sun protection reduces skin cancer risk, rates of such behaviors are moderate at best. The present study examined the impact of a multicomponent intervention that aimed to increase the saliency of skin cancer risk while promoting the use of sun protection. Midwestern beachgoers (n = 100) participated in an intervention or questionnaire-only control group. Sun protection, stage of change, and sun exposure were measured at baseline and 2-month follow-up. The intervention group significantly improved in sun protection use and stage of change, but not sun exposure, compared with the control group. Personalizing the risks of unprotected sun exposure combined with providing education about sun protection facilitated healthy changes in behavior and motivation.
Asunto(s)
Playas/estadística & datos numéricos , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Motivación , Quemadura Solar/prevención & control , Adulto , Algoritmos , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Medio Oeste de Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Ropa de Protección , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Protectores Solares/administración & dosificación , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Indoor tanning may increase the risk of melanoma and other health problems. Frequent users of indoor tanning facilities may be at particularly high risk. OBJECTIVE: In study 1 our purpose was to assess the prevalence and nature of indoor tanning advertisements; in study 2 we aimed to assess tanning facility compliance to recommended exposure schedules. METHODS: In study 1, tanning facility advertisements over a 4-month period from 24 San Diego County newspapers were monitored. In study 2, we assessed compliance with recommended exposure schedules via a telephone interview of 60 San Diego County tanning facilities. RESULTS: Approximately 75% of the indoor tanning advertisements promoted unlimited tanning. Only 5% of facilities were in compliance with recommended tanning schedules, and 100% offered "unlimited" tanning packages. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the indoor tanning industry, through pricing incentives that allow frequent sessions, may be promoting overexposure to UVR. Stronger legislation is needed to address this issue.
Asunto(s)
Publicidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Industria de la Belleza/normas , Melanoma/prevención & control , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Rayos Ultravioleta/efectos adversos , Industria de la Belleza/tendencias , California , Seguridad de Productos para el Consumidor , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Melanoma/etiología , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Medición de Riesgo , Muestreo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/etiología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
The purpose of this study was to examine the number of tanning facilities in select U.S. cities. The twenty most populated cities from each of 4 U.S. regions were selected for the sample. For each city, data on the number of tanning facilities, climate, and general demographic profile were collected. Data for state tanning facility legislation also were collected. A tanning facility density variable was created by dividing the city's number of facilities by its population size. The 80 cities had an average of 50 facilities each. Results of linear regression analysis indicated that higher density was significantly associated with colder climate, lower median income, and higher proportion of Whites. These data indicate that indoor tanning facilities are prevalent in the environments of U.S. urban-dwellers. Cities having the higher density profile may be logical targets for interventions promoting less or safer use of these facilities.
Asunto(s)
Industria de la Belleza/estadística & datos numéricos , Ciudades/estadística & datos numéricos , Comercio/estadística & datos numéricos , Colonias de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Rayos Ultravioleta/efectos adversos , Industria de la Belleza/normas , Censos , Ciudades/etnología , Recolección de Datos , Femenino , Humanos , Modelos Lineales , Masculino , Medición de Riesgo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/etiología , Estados Unidos , Población Urbana/estadística & datos numéricos , Tiempo (Meteorología) , Población BlancaRESUMEN
Sun exposure is the most important avoidable cause of skin cancers. We report characteristics of a representative sample (N = 2,324) of beachgoers in Southeastern New England during the summer of 1995. This sample was not employing adequate sun protection behaviors (83% did not often avoid the sun during midday and only 45% often used sunscreen). Important demographic and skin cancer risk factor differences in sun protective behaviors and stages of change for sun protection were found, especially differences based on age, gender, and degree of sun sensitivity. Consistent with previous research, increased age, female gender, and greater sun sensitivity were each independently associated with more sun protective behaviors. These findings underscore the need for interventions targeting high-risk populations, such as those receiving high-intensity sun exposures at the beach.
Asunto(s)
Playas/estadística & datos numéricos , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Quemadura Solar/prevención & control , Protectores Solares/uso terapéutico , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Áreas de Influencia de Salud , Demografía , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Rhode Island/epidemiología , Protectores Solares/administración & dosificación , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The suntanning industry has grown up over the last decade in North America, mainly because tanned skin is socially desirable and artificial tanning is perceived as a "safe tan." However, exposure to UV radiation is known to cause adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of use of tanning equipment in the Province of Québec and to characterize people who reported using these devices. METHODS: In 1996, a telephone survey was carried out among adults from the two most densely populated regions (Montréal, Québec) of the Province of Québec. The final sample included 1003 white persons 18 to 60 years old. Interviewers used a standardized questionnaire to document the characteristics of the participant, skin phototype, and exposure habits to artificial UV radiation sources. RESULTS: During the last 5 years before the survey, 20.2% of the respondents reported they had used, at least once, a tanning device in a commercial tanning salon. The rate of use during the last 12 months before the study was 11.1%. A significantly higher proportion of female, young people (18 to 34 years old) and single persons was found among tanning bed users. Twenty-six percent of users experienced one or more acute adverse health effects from the artificial UV irradiation. Most of these were cases of skin burns. A high proportion (77.5%) of those who used tanning equipment during the last year before the study said they would return to tanning salons. The intention of returning to a tanning salon was not influenced by the occurrence of the acute adverse health effects. The most prevalent reason given for using tanning equipment was "to improve their appearance by a tan." Most people (60.4%) who used a tanning bed during the last 5 years before the study believe that tanning salons are not dangerous. CONCLUSION: This survey indicates that tanning bed use is very prevalent in the Province of Québec, mainly among young women. The high rate of acute adverse health effects related to artificial tanning, particularly skin burns, is of concern. Finally, our results underline the importance of changing attitudes and beliefs in the population regarding artificial tanning.
Asunto(s)
Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Vigilancia de la Población , Terapia Ultravioleta/estadística & datos numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Helioterapia/instrumentación , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias Inducidas por Radiación/etiología , Neoplasias Inducidas por Radiación/prevención & control , Quebec/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/etiología , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Quemadura Solar/etiología , Quemadura Solar/prevención & control , Rayos Ultravioleta/efectos adversos , Terapia Ultravioleta/instrumentaciónAsunto(s)
Helioterapia/efectos adversos , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Neoplasias Cutáneas/epidemiología , Protectores Solares , Terapia Ultravioleta/efectos adversos , Terapia Ultravioleta/estadística & datos numéricos , Vitamina D/biosíntesisRESUMEN
Sunscreens have been advocated to prevent burning in the hope that this will decrease the chance of developing melanoma. In a single-centre case-control study in Styria, Austria, we examined the risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma in relation to phenotypic markers, sunlight-related factors and sunscreen use. In total, 193 melanoma patients and 319 control subjects answered a comprehensive questionnaire regarding phenotypic markers, a variety of sunlight-related factors and sunscreen use. Risk factors for melanoma were examined through the use of unconditional logistic regression analysis, controlling for age and sex. Screening for confounding factors was done by forward and backward elimination of non-significant variables (P < 0.05). The resulting set of factors were investigated further for effect modification by introducing interactions into the model. The factor most significantly associated with increased melanoma risk was the use of sunscreens. Subjects who often used sunscreens had an increased odds ratio (OR) of 3.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]1.81-6.64) compared with subjects who never used sunscreens (P = 0.001), after adjustment for sex, age and other significant sunlight-related factors. Skin colour and higher numbers of sunbaths were significant protective factors. Subjects with medium skin colour had an adjusted OR of 0.63 (95% CI 0.41-0.99) compared with subjects with light skin colour (P = 0.0022). Subjects who took more than 30 sunbaths per year and subjects who took 20-30 sunbaths per year had, in the absence of sunburn(s), a decreased OR of 0.09 (95% CI 0.02-0.39) and 0.28 (95% CI 0.13-0.64), respectively, compared with subjects who took less than 20 sunbaths per year (P = 0.0002). However, sunbaths had no protective value when they were associated with sunburns. Although we cannot exclude the presence of an unknown confounding factor, our results suggest that the use of sunscreens does not help prevent melanoma.
Asunto(s)
Helioterapia/efectos adversos , Melanoma/epidemiología , Neoplasias Cutáneas/epidemiología , Luz Solar/efectos adversos , Protectores Solares , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Austria/epidemiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Utilización de Medicamentos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Color del Ojo , Femenino , Marcadores Genéticos , Color del Cabello , Helioterapia/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Actividades Recreativas , Masculino , Melanoma/etiología , Melanoma/patología , Melanoma/prevención & control , Melanosis , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias Inducidas por Radiación/epidemiología , Neoplasias Inducidas por Radiación/etiología , Neoplasias Inducidas por Radiación/patología , Neoplasias Inducidas por Radiación/prevención & control , Oportunidad Relativa , Fenotipo , Factores de Riesgo , Neoplasias Cutáneas/etiología , Neoplasias Cutáneas/patología , Neoplasias Cutáneas/prevención & control , Pigmentación de la Piel , Quemadura Solar/epidemiología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Insuficiencia del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Extensive print, radio, and television coverage about the dangers of sun exposure and benefits of sun protection occurred over the past decade. Illinois teen knowledge and attitudes about sun exposure/protection, sun-exposure/protection behavior, and information sources were determined by a summer telephone survey. METHODS: Telephone interviews with 658 teenagers between ages 11 and 19 included African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, and white teenagers. RESULTS: Teens knew that too much sun was harmful as it caused skin cancer and sunburn. Sunburn was mentioned more often by those with skin types that burned easily and tanned poorly (I,II) (P < 0.001), was better known to girls than to boys (P < 0.001), and was recognized more by those with higher socioeconomic status (P < 0.001) but was not associated with age. Widely held sun exposure attitudes were socializing with friends and feeling better when outdoors. On weekdays, boys averaged 5.3 hr (SD, 1.65 hr) outside compared with 3.9 hr (SD, 0.75 hr) for girls (P < 0.001). Teenage boys were more likely to obtain occupational sun exposure, and girls sunbathed. Subjects with skin types I and II reported an average of 3.3 sunburns in the past year. During unprotected sun exposure, extensive numbers of teens with moderate-risk skin type experienced at least 1 sunburn per year. Indoor tanning use was more prevalent among older girls and those with skin types I and II. Sunscreen use was associated with water recreational activities (swimming, water sports, and going to the beach) by girls slightly more than by boys (P < 0.001). Hat-wearing was more common among boys than among girls. CONCLUSIONS: Teen knowledge that excessive sun exposure causes skin cancer and sunburns and that wearing sunscreens and hats were sun-protective methods did not enable sun protection that prevented burning. This is particularly troublesome because severe sunburns in youth are associated with an increased risk of melanoma. Existing teen sunscreen use could be broadened by educating teens to use adequate quantities of sunscreen prior to daily sun exposure to prevent painful burns. Messages to teens that emphasize the short-term consequence of painful sunburns because of inadequate protection during outdoor occupational and non-water-related recreational exposure would increase the relevance of the message and may enable behavioral change. Parents and physicians need to be included in messages that are directed to teens and to become part of their education. Parents could ensure an adequate sunscreen supply for daily use by the family, encourage teens not to deliberately tan, and serve as role models for the use of protective clothing.