Measuring Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Using a Dosimetric Technique: Understanding Participant Compliance Issues

Abstract

Personal ultraviolet dosimeters have been used in epidemiological studies to understand the risks and benefits of individuals' exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We investigated the types and determinants of noncompliance associated with a protocol for use of polysulphone UVR dosimeters. In the AusD Study, 1002 Australian adults (aged 18-75 years) were asked to wear a new dosimeter on their wrist each day for 10 consecutive days to quantify their daily exposure to solar UVR. Of the 10 020 dosimeters distributed, 296 (3%) were not returned or used (Type-I noncompliance) and other usage errors were reported for 763 (8%) returned dosimeters (Type-II noncompliance). Type-I errors were more common in participants with predominantly outdoor occupations. Type-II errors were reported more frequently on the first day of measurement; weekend days or rainy days; and among females; younger people; more educated participants or those with outdoor occupations. Half (50%) the participants reported a noncompliance error on at least 1 day during the 10-day period. However, 92% of participants had at least 7 days of usable data without any apparent noncompliance issues. The factors identified should be considered when designing future UVR dosimetry studies.

Investigating the patterns and determinants of seasonal variation in vitamin D status in Australian adults: the Seasonal D Cohort Study

“…The package included: a) seven individually packaged and coded UV-sensitive polysulphone dosimeters (with wristband) for measurement of cumulative daily personal sun exposure, and b) a self-administered diary (see Additional file 1) in which to record daily sun exposure, physical activity and sun-protection (amount and type of clothing, sunscreen and shade utilization) over the 7 days of dosimetry [12, 13]. Polysulphone dosimeters have been used extensively to assess personal UVB (vitamin D effective) exposure, including in our previous AusD study [12, 14]. In the present study, dosimeters were attached to the left wrist using the wristband supplied, and were replaced daily to avoid reaching saturation.…”

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Impact of Giving Information on Personalized Genomic Risk of Melanoma to the Public

“…This is a gold standard method for assessing total daily dose of UV radiation exposure (30,31). The data were analyzed as standard erythemal doses (SED), which is a standard measure of UV dose; a person's daily SED exposure is influenced by time of day (i.e., more SEDs per hour in the middle of the day), time in the sun, use of sun protection, and season (32). Participants were asked to wear a custom-made wristband with one dosimeter badge inserted each day, over 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days.…”

Validation of Questionnaire and Diary Measures of Time Outdoors Against an Objective Measure of Personal Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure

“…UV dosimeters provide an objective measure of personal UV exposure allowing comparisons with self-reported measures. UV dosimeters are noninvasive, portable and have generally been used in small-scale studies over short periods of time (1) due to noncompliance and costs associated with long-term monitoring (12). A number of studies have examined the association between self-reported sun exposure measures and personal UV dosimetry with inconsistent correlations reported (5,6,(9)(10)(11)(13)(14)(15)(16).…”