Toward a precision behavioral medicine approach to addressing high-risk sun exposure: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Objectives Precision behavioral medicine techniques integrating wearable ultraviolet radiation (UVR) sensors may help individuals avoid sun exposure that places them at-risk for skin cancer. As a preliminary step in our patient-centered process of developing a just-in-time adaptive intervention, this study evaluated reactions and preferences to UVR sensors among melanoma survivors. Materials and Methods Early stage adult melanoma survivors were recruited for a focus group (n = 11) or 10-day observational study, which included daily wearing a UVR sensor and sun exposure surveys (n = 39). Both the focus group moderator guide and observational study exit interviews included questions on UVR sensing as a potential intervention strategy. These responses were transcribed and coded using an inductive strategy. Results Most observational study participants (84.6%) said they would find information provided by UVR sensors to be useful to help them learn about how specific conditions (eg, clouds, location) impact sun exposure and provide in-the-moment alerts. Focus group participants expressed enthusiasm for UVR information and identified preferred qualities of a UVR sensor, such as small size and integration with other devices. Participants in both studies indicated concern that UVR feedback may be difficult to interpret and some expressed that a UVR sensor may not be convenient or desirable to wear in daily life. Discussion Melanoma survivors believe that personalized UVR exposure information could improve their sun protection and want this information delivered in a method that is meaningful and actionable. Conclusion UVR sensing is a promising component of a precision behavioral medicine strategy to reduce skin cancer risk.

Harnessing consumer smartphone and wearable sensors for clinical cancer research

“…Research is underway investigating wearable sensors to detect biomarkers in sweat 52 and ingestible sensors to monitor medication compliance 53 . Finally, sensing opportunities related to cancer prevention include leveraging wearable sensor data to detect smoking gestures 54 or using wearable ultraviolet radiation sensors to monitor sun exposure 55 .…”

Objectively-Assessed Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Sunburn Occurrence

“…Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) sensors can provide personalized information about an individual’s sun exposure and can be used as a standalone intervention or as an adjunct to more comprehensive interventions to reduce sun exposure and prevent sunburn. The tracking of objective UVR exposure is of high interest for melanoma-prone populations and has been shown to be an acceptable, nonreactive means of assessing sun exposure in observational and interventional studies [ 11 , 12 ]; however, there is limited research linking sensor-assessed UVR exposure and sunburns. An established association between sensor-assessed UVR exposure and reported sunburn would link sensor-assessed UVR to a clinically significant outcome, thereby providing additional support for the use of UVR sensors as an objective sun exposure measurement and intervention tool.…”