Sun Protection Behavior in Organ Transplant Recipients in Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Background: Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have a high risk of skin cancer, and excessive sun exposure is a major contributing factor. Objective: To document the prevalence of sun protection and associated factors in OTRs in Queensland, Australia. Methods: Cross-sectional study of the frequency of wearing hats, long sleeves and using sunscreens among OTRs and factors associated with regular use. Adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Results: Among 446 OTRs, 66, 49 and 39% wore a hat, sunscreen and long sleeves, respectively, mostly when outdoors. 52% regularly practiced multiple sun protection measures while 19% did not. Sunburn-prone skin (PR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.06-1.93) and frequent whole-body skin examinations (PR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.19-1.84) were independently associated with regular use of multiple sun protection measures. Conclusion: Findings are consistent with sun-conscious OTRs also having more regular skin screening and that having frequent skin examinations promotes sun-protective habits.

Bone marrow transplant recipients and their compliance with sun‐protection measures in Queensland, Australia

“…Photoprotection remains central to minimizing skin cancer incidence in the OTR population. Several large studies have been conducted on sun‐protective behaviors in the OTR population and confirm that OTR are not practicing adequate photoprotection, which is consistent with the findings of our study …”

“…When examining patients’ time since BMT, frequency of skin checks and their impact on photoprotective measures, no relationship was found. This is in contrast with the published work, which shows a strong association between those being frequently monitored for skin cancer and greater use of multiple sun‐protection measures …”

“…Most patients stated that they had specifically been given advice about their requirement for additional precautions against UVR. Two previous evaluations of renal transplant recipients in Australia had similar findings to our study . This highlights the important role a dermatologist plays in educating BMT patients.…”

“…Several large studies have been conducted on sun-protective behaviors in the OTR population and confirm that OTR are not practicing adequate photoprotection, which is consistent with the findings of our study. 1,[4][5][6]9 Our study found that most patients did not comply with adequate sun-protection measures and a large proportion only applied sunscreen in the summer (47%). However, when participants did use sunscreen, the majority used an SPF 50+ sunscreen, applied sunscreen all over their body, reapplied sunscreen after coming in contact with water and protected themselves better on holidays.…”

“…Two previous evaluations of renal transplant recipients in Australia had similar findings to our study. 9,10 This highlights the important role a dermatologist plays in educating BMT patients.…”