Validity of the Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Classification in Ecuador

Abstract

BACKGROUND The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Classification (FSPC) is the most common tool used to assess skin phototype in White populations according to the amount of pigment the skin has and its reaction to sun exposure. Scientific evidence about the use of this scale for persons with darker skin is limited. OBJECTIVE To assess the internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity of the FSPC for Ecuadorians. METHODS This observational cross-sectional study recruited participants of both sexes between 40 and 90 years of age living in a rural area of Quito, Ecuador. Cronbach α values were used to assess the internal consistency of the scale. Construct validity was assessed with confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS The internal consistency coefficients indicated that the reliability of the responses to the scale was fair. Total α value was .515, whereas the α values of the two factors were .42 and .67. Most item-to-factor correlations had a low to moderate magnitude, ranging from r = 0.30 to 0.37. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor solution and achieved good overall fit as indicated by root mean square error of approximation = 0.08, and nonnormed fit index = 0.88 was mediocre. Goodness-of-fit χ 2 = 177.10, P < .001. The factor loads were greater than 0.30, ranging from 0.30 to 0.99. CONCLUSIONS The FSPC showed an acceptable construct validity and a fair internal consistency. The five-item scale could potentially be used as an effective instrument for assessing skin phototype in non-White people.

Gingival Pigmentation Pattern in Correlation to Skin Color in a Group of Kurdish People in Sulaimani City

“…This finding is in agreement with a study done at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran ( 17), but contrasts with the finding of the study done in India by Ponnaiyan et al (14). This could be due to the majority of the present study's participants having type 3 or 4 skin color according to the Fitzpatrick scale, ranging from medium, light brown, to moderate brown (13). Meanwhile, the majority of participants in the Ponnaiyan et al study had type 5 or type 6, ranging from dark brown to black according to the Fitzpatrick scale (13).…”

“…The criteria of the Fitzpatrick scale are as follows: (13) Type I: Pale white skin, red or blond hair, blue eyes, freckles Type II: white or fair skin, red or blond hair, blue, hazel, or green eyes Type III: medium white or fair skin, any eye or hair color Type IV: light brown skin (olive, moderate brown) Type V: dark brown skin Type VI: deeply pigmented dark brown (very dark brown to black)…”

“…The Fitzpatrick scale (also Fitzpatrick skin typing test or Fitzpatrick photo typing scale) is a numerical classification schema for human skin color. It describes a way to classify the skin by its reaction to exposure to sunlight (13).…”

Examining intentions to engage in sun protective behaviors among Latino day laborers: An application of the theory of planned behavior

“…This result contrasts what has been found in other research that involves the broader Latinx population, suggesting that this population marginally agrees with statements regarding sun protection benefits. 34 These mixed results should be explored in future research. Researchers ought to continue exploring the fidelity of the assessments used in research to identify this population’s true beliefs and attitudes about the benefits of SPBs.…”

Morphometric and Aesthetic Analysis of People Following Application of Platelet Rich Plasma for Neck Rejuvenation

“…Protection from the sun offers significant prevention of photoaging in skin types IV-V. Skin types I-III are at increased risk of sun damage, photoaging, and melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers (Fors et al, 2020).…”