Elizabeth S Nagelhout1, Riley Lensink2, Angela Zhu2, Bridget G Parsons2, Jakob D Jensen3, Yelena P Wu2,4. 1. Division of Public Health, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, 375 Chipeta Way, Suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. 2. Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT 84112. 3. Department of Communication, University of Utah, 255 Central Campus Dr #2400, Salt Lake City, UT 84112. 4. Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, 4A330, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the United States, melanoma is the 5th most common cancer. Reducing ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is essential for the prevention of melanoma. Objectively assessing individual-level UVR exposure with the use of wearable technology offers a promising tool for reducing UVR exposure. However, the feasibility and acceptability of using UVR monitoring wearable devices have not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a commercially available UVR monitoring wearable device among adults and children. METHODS: The study recruited families (one parent and one child) to test a new, commercially-available UVR monitoring device (Shade). Participants wore the Shade device for two weeks and completed questionnaires assessing the feasibility and acceptability of wearing the device. Qualitative analyses were conducted to summarize participants' open-ended responses regarding device feasibility. RESULTS: A total of 194 individuals (97 adults and 97 children) participated. Participating children were on average 12.7 years old. Overall, adults and children reported moderate satisfaction with wearing the Shade device. Feasibility of use of the Shade device was adequate with 73% of adults and 61% of children reporting that they wore the device "all of the time they were outside." Through open-ended responses, participants reported appreciating the device's ease of use, compact size, and that it increased their awareness about their UVR exposure. CONCLUSIONS: A new, wearable UVR monitoring device can be feasibly used by adults and children and use of the device was acceptable to participants. The device could be integrated into melanoma preventive interventions to increase individual's and families' awareness of their UVR exposure and to facilitate the use of recommended melanoma preventive strategies.
BACKGROUND: In the United States, melanoma is the 5th most common cancer. Reducing ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is essential for the prevention of melanoma. Objectively assessing individual-level UVR exposure with the use of wearable technology offers a promising tool for reducing UVR exposure. However, the feasibility and acceptability of using UVR monitoring wearable devices have not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a commercially available UVR monitoring wearable device among adults and children. METHODS: The study recruited families (one parent and one child) to test a new, commercially-available UVR monitoring device (Shade). Participants wore the Shade device for two weeks and completed questionnaires assessing the feasibility and acceptability of wearing the device. Qualitative analyses were conducted to summarize participants' open-ended responses regarding device feasibility. RESULTS: A total of 194 individuals (97 adults and 97 children) participated. Participating children were on average 12.7 years old. Overall, adults and children reported moderate satisfaction with wearing the Shade device. Feasibility of use of the Shade device was adequate with 73% of adults and 61% of children reporting that they wore the device "all of the time they were outside." Through open-ended responses, participants reported appreciating the device's ease of use, compact size, and that it increased their awareness about their UVR exposure. CONCLUSIONS: A new, wearable UVR monitoring device can be feasibly used by adults and children and use of the device was acceptable to participants. The device could be integrated into melanoma preventive interventions to increase individual's and families' awareness of their UVR exposure and to facilitate the use of recommended melanoma preventive strategies.
Authors: Elyse Shuk; Jack E Burkhalter; Carlos F Baguer; Susan M Holland; Alisa Pinkhasik; Mary Sue Brady; Daniel G Coit; Charlotte E Ariyan; Jennifer L Hay Journal: Qual Health Res Date: 2012-07
Authors: Robyn M Lucas; Patricia Valery; Ingrid van der Mei; Terence Dwyer; Michael P Pender; Bruce Taylor; Anne-Louise Ponsonby Journal: Photochem Photobiol Date: 2013-02-19 Impact factor: 3.421