Evaluation of the Ultraviolet Index: Media reactions and public response

Geller, Alan C.; Hufford, Drusilla; Miller, Donald R.; Sun, Ting; Wyatt, Stephen; Reilley, Brigg; Bewerse, Barbara A.; Lisco, John; Brooks, Daniel R.; Grupenhoff, John T.; Weary, Peyton E.; Lew, Robert A.; Koh, Howard K.

doi:10.1016/s0190-9622(97)70068-9

Cited by 42 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Although knowledge of the dangers of excessive sun exposure and means to adequately protect one's skin has improved, its translation into attitudinal and behavioural changes toward sun protection remains modest (Hill et al, 1993;Arthey and Clarke, 1995;Stanton et al, 2004). For example, the observed impact of the UV index on behavioural changes has so far been limited (Geller et al, 1997;Bulliard and Reeder, 2001).…”

Section: Preventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effective exposure to solar UV in building workers: influence of local and individual factors

Antoine

Pierre-Edouard

Jean-Luc

et al. 2006

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol

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Excessive exposure to solar UV light is the main cause of skin cancers in humans. UV exposure depends on environmental as well as individual factors related to activity. Although outdoor occupational activities contribute significantly to the individual dose received, data on effective exposure are scarce and limited to a few occupations. A study was undertaken in order to assess effective short-term exposure among building workers and characterize the influence of individual and local factors on exposure. The effective exposure of construction workers in a mountainous area in the southern part of Switzerland was investigated through short-term dosimetry (97 dosimeters). Three altitudes, of about 500, 1500 and 2500 m were considered. Individual measurements over 20 working periods were performed using Spore film dosimeters on five body locations. The postural activity of workers was concomitantly recorded and static UV measurements were also performed. Effective exposure among building workers was high and exceeded occupational recommendations, for all individuals for at least one body location. The mean daily UV dose in plain was 11.9 SED (0.0-31.3 SED), in middle mountain 21.4 SED (6.6-46.8 SED) and in high mountain 28.6 SED (0.0-91.1 SED). Measured doses between workers and anatomical locations exhibited a high variability, stressing the role of local exposure conditions and individual factors. Short-term effective exposure ranged between 0 and 200% of ambient irradiation, indicating the occurrence of intense, subacute exposures. A predictive irradiation model was developed to investigate the role of individual factors. Posture and orientation were found to account for at least 38% of the total variance of relative individual exposure, and were also found to account more than altitude on the total variance of effective daily exposures. Targeted sensitization actions through professional information channels and specific prevention messages are recommended. Altitude outdoor workers should also benefit from preventive medical examination.

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Section: Preventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effective exposure to solar UV in building workers: influence of local and individual factors

Antoine

Pierre-Edouard

Jean-Luc

et al. 2006

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol

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“…Physician's state of residence was categorized into high and low ultraviolet radiation (UV) areas as defined in earlier studies. 17 They were also asked who in their offices (themselves or other professional staff) usually performed skin exams, and the percentage of their patients who requested skin cancer exams. Respondents were also asked how long it had been since they had personally undergone a skin cancer examination by a clinician.…”

Section: Descriptive Variables/covariatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overcoming Obstacles to Skin Cancer Examinations and Prevention Counseling for High-Risk Patients: Results of a National Survey of Primary Care Physicians

Geller¹,

O’Riordan²,

Oliveria³

et al. 2004

The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine

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Objective: Primary care physicians are in a unique position to perform skin cancer examinations and provide prevention counseling, given that approximately 40% of office visits to physicians in the United States are to a family practitioner or internist. Compared with family or self-detection, physician detection is associated with an increased probability of detecting thinner melanomas. However, little research has attempted to identify the major obstacles to performing a skin cancer examination and recommending prevention practices.Methods: In the spring of 2002, we surveyed primary care physicians from all 50 states, including family medicine physicians, internists, and general practitioners sampled from the American Medical Association's Medical Marketing Services' database. There were 4 primary outcome variables related to early detection and prevention practices for average-risk patients and patients with risk factors: performing a full-body skin examination; recommending regular skin self-examination; and recommending sun protection practices and avoidance of tanning booths for patients younger than age 35.Results: We received surveys from 380 (60%) of 632 eligible physicians. Nearly 60% of physicians routinely performed full-body examinations with their high-risk patients. In the regression analysis of factors influencing physician examination of high-risk patients, lack of time was the strongest barrier [odds ratio (OR) 0.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 0.6)]. Physicians using the most information sources [OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.8)] were the most likely to examine their high-risk patients. Physicians whose patients requested a skin examination were more likely to examine their patients compared with physicians whose patients did not request such an examination (P < .01).Conclusions: Concerted public and professional education efforts must be made to provide resources that help physicians efficiently weave skin cancer examinations and prevention counseling into routine practice while also motivating high-risk patients to request full-body examinations and counseling. ( Incidence and mortality rates for melanoma are rising faster than those for nearly all other cancers.

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“…[10] An early systematic review assessed the effectiveness of using tools such as the UVI in mass media communications and concluded that, while understanding of the UVI seemed to be suboptimal, insufficient research in this area meant that recommendations could not be made. [11] A 2012 systematic review found that, although the UVI is an effective instrument for promoting sun protection, the available evidence suggests that its use has not improved sun-protective practices or reduced sun exposure at the population level.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

School students’ knowledge and understanding of the Global Solar Ultraviolet Index

2015

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Background. The Global Solar Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is a health communication tool used to inform the public about the health risks of excess solar UV radiation and encourage appropriate sun-protection behaviour. Knowledge and understanding of the UVI has been evaluated among adult populations but not among school students. Objectives. To draw on previously unpublished data from two school-based studies, one in New Zealand (NZ) and the other in South Africa (SA), to investigate and compare students' knowledge of the UVI and, where possible, report their understanding of UVI. Methods. Cross-sectional samples of schoolchildren in two countries answered questions on whether they had seen or heard of the UVI and questions aimed at probing their understanding of this measure. Results. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 1 177 students, comprising 472 NZ (264 year 8 (Y8), 214 year 4 (Y4) students) and 705 SA grade 7 primary-school students aged 8 -13 years. More than half of the NZ Y8 students answered that they had previously heard about or seen the UVI, whereas significantly more SA students and NZ Y4 students replied that they had neither seen nor heard about the UVI. Among the NZ students who had seen or heard of the UVI, understanding of the tool was fairly good. Conclusion. The observed lack of awareness among many students in both countries provides an opportunity to introduce an innovative and age-appropriate UVI communication method that combines level of risk with behavioural responses to UVI categories and focus on personal relevance to the UVI message.

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Evaluation of the Ultraviolet Index: Media reactions and public response

Cited by 42 publications

References 9 publications

Effective exposure to solar UV in building workers: influence of local and individual factors

Effective exposure to solar UV in building workers: influence of local and individual factors

Overcoming Obstacles to Skin Cancer Examinations and Prevention Counseling for High-Risk Patients: Results of a National Survey of Primary Care Physicians

School students’ knowledge and understanding of the Global Solar Ultraviolet Index

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