49 research outputs found
Occupational sunscreen use among US Hispanic outdoor workers
No full textBackground: Occupational ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer, and Hispanic individuals are over-represented in a number of outdoor occupations (e.g., farming, landscaping). This study examined predictors of occupational sunscreen use in a group of US Hispanic adults who work outdoors. Results: A population-based sample of outdoor workers (n = 149, 85 % male) completed survey measures regarding their demographics, melanoma risk, perceived skin cancer risk, skin cancer knowledge, and their occupational sunscreen use. Sixty-nine percent of the sample reported never or rarely wearing sunscreen while working outdoors. Being female (p = .02), having a higher level of education (p = .03), and residing at a higher latitude (p = .04) were associated with more frequent sunscreen use. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of interventions to promote sun protection behaviors among US Hispanic outdoor workers, and identifies potential intervention targets.Ashley K. Day, Jerod L. Stapleton, Ana M. Natale‑Pereira, James S. Goydos and Elliot J. Coup
JAMA Dermatol
No full textIndoor tanning is a public health threat, and the Surgeon General has called for its reduction in adolescents and young adults. Research on indoor tanning has not distinguished between tanning-only salons vs other businesses and private residences that provide tanning (ie, nonsalon tanning). For example, gyms often offer free tanning, which may lead to riskier tanning habits. Better understanding of nonsalon tanning could have policy, prevention, and clinical implications. Our study addresses this literature gap by examining the prevalence and correlates of nonsalon tanning in a nationally representative sample of young women, who have the highest rates of indoor tanning use.U48 DP001933/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHSUnited States/P30 CA072720/CA/NCI NIH HHSUnited States/R03CA165801/CA/NCI NIH HHSUnited States/U48DP001933/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHSUnited States/R01CA134891/CA/NCI NIH HHSUnited States/K07 CA175115/CA/NCI NIH HHSUnited States/R01 CA134891/CA/NCI NIH HHSUnited States/R03 CA165801/CA/NCI NIH HHSUnited States
Industry Influence in Indoor Tanning Research
No full textStudies linking exposure to indoor tanning beds that emit ultraviolet radiation with melanoma and other skin cancers began to emerge as early as the 1980s, and a compelling body of evidence now exists to support the carcinogenic effect of indoor tanning. Incidence rates for melanoma have increased among populations with high use of indoor tanning beds, including young women, mirroring increasing rates of use.1 These persuasive data have led to increased attention on the dangers of indoor tanning, along with warnings from the world’s leading public health and medical organizations. Regulatory efforts including restricting access for minors have followed throughout the UK and globally
“These people, you just guide them until they become these people”: learning to become a frequent indoor tanner
No full textAbstract Background Many young women experiment with using indoor tanning beds with some becoming regular users. There is a dearth of research focused on factors related to the development of regular tanning. This study was designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of a regular indoor tanning bed user for the purpose of discovering working hypotheses related to the development of this behavior. The article thesis is that initial interactions with tanning salon employees transmit insider knowledge that serves to encourage the regular use of indoor tanning beyond experimentation. Methods We used Spradley’s ethnographic interviewing technique to conduct six iterative interviews with a key informant who was an active indoor tanning bed user and former salon employee. The research was completed in the United States in 2015. Results The informant described her experiences as a salon employee including her interactions with salon patrons. The informant was trained as a salon employee to talk about tanning as a complex process that requires multiple salon visits to achieve desired results and to develop rapport with salon patrons to be viewed as an important source of guidance and advice. In the informant’s experience, indoor tanning users who viewed tanning as a complex process and felt connected to salon employees were more receptive to purchasing larger amounts of bulk tanning sessions and committing to purchasing salon memberships. Conclusions Findings provide insights into our understanding of the development of regular tanning behavior and we propose working hypotheses about this behavior to be examined in future research. There are also implications for policy makers to reduce excessive tanning behaviors including considering point-of-sale regulations that limit sales techniques of salon employees and pricing restrictions
“These people, you just guide them until they become these people”: learning to become a frequent indoor tanner
No full text
What influences trust in and understanding of clinical trials? An analysis of information and communication technology use and online health behavior from the Health Information National Trends Survey
No full textBackground: Using information and communication technologies to seek, discuss, and share health-related information influences people’s trust and knowledge of several health practices. However, we know little about the associations between individuals’ information and communication technology use and their perceptions of trust and knowledge of clinical trials. Examining these associations may lead to the identification of target audiences and channels for developing effective educational interventions and campaigns about clinical trials.
Methods: In this study, we analyzed Health Information National Trends Survey data to document perceptions of clinical trial-related knowledge and trust that were recently added as questions in this annual national survey of US adults. We also examined correlates of these clinical trial perceptions that included sociodemographic factors and individuals’ use of information and communication technologies to seek health information, discuss such information with their healthcare providers, and share the information in their network.
Results: More than 90% of participants had no or limited perceived knowledge about clinical trials. Knowledge was higher among those who seek or discuss health-related information online. Differences in perceived knowledge and trust emerged for some racial/ethnic subgroups and other demographic factors. Providers were considered the most trusted source of information (73.6%), followed by health organizations (19.4%) and social support (7.1%). Trust in health organizations compared to health providers was higher among those who used online resources to share health information online with others. Trust in social support was significantly higher among those who used information and communication technologies to communicate about health.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, we recommend developing online resources about clinical trials to be distributed through social media. These resources should facilitate a dialogue and be targeted to several groups considering their information and communication technologies’ use
Prevalence and Correlates of Invitation to Participate in Clinical Trials among US Adults
No full textClinical trials are essential to modern medicine, but several barriers, including poor communication, hamper their successful completion. We examined the prevalence and correlates of invitation to participate in clinical trials among a nationally-representative sample of US adults using survey responses from the 2020 HINTS (Cycle 5). Analyses were conducted in 2021. Overall, 9% of respondents reported being invited to a clinical trial, a prevalence that is nearly half of previously reported rates in convenience samples recruited from health care settings. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Black respondents reported the higher prevalence of invitation (16.0%) whereas Asian respondents reported the lowest (2%). Prevalence of clinical trial invitation was significantly higher for the 65–74 age and the 75 + age groups. Prevalence of invitation was significantly higher among college graduates (12.0%) and lower for those residing in rural areas/small towns compared to metropolitan areas. Invitation was significantly higher among cancer patients/survivors (16.0%), patients with diabetes (11.7%) and with chronic lung disease (16.7%). Provider and patient factors there were associated with higher invitation rates included using web devices to communicate with providers or to aid health-related discussions, having a specific medical provider, and looking for health information online. This study establishes a population-based prevalence of clinical trial communication that can be monitored as health care providers/organizations increase their focus on enrollment activities. Targeted interventions to improve communication about clinical trials are needed to address socio-demographic disparities and are particularly important for Asian patients, patients with lower income, and those living in rural areas
The American Suntanning Association: A “Science-First Organization” With a Biased Scientific Agenda
No full textPhysician Skin Cancer Screening among U.S. Military Veterans: Results from the National Health Interview Survey
No full textIntroduction
Although military veterans are at increased risk for skin cancer, little is known about the extent to which they have been screened for skin cancer. The study objective was to examine the prevalence and correlates of physician skin cancer screening among U.S. military veterans.
Methods
Data were drawn from the National Health Interview Survey. The study sample consisted of 2,826 individuals who reported being military veterans. Receipt of a physician skin examination was measured using a single question that asked participants whether they had ever had all of their skin from head to toe checked for cancer by a dermatologist or some other kind of doctor.
Results
Less than a third (30.88%) of participants reported ever having a physician skin examination. Factors positively associated with receipt of a physician skin examination in a multivariable logistic regression analysis included: older age, greater educational level, non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, having TRICARE (military) health insurance, greater skin sensitivity to the sun, and engagement in more sun protection behaviors.
Conclusions
The majority of military veterans have never been screened for skin cancer by a physician. Screening rates were higher among individuals with one or more skin cancer risk factors. Future research is warranted to test targeted skin cancer screening interventions for this at risk and understudied population
