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Measuring Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Using a Dosimetric Technique: Understanding Participant Compliance Issues
Author(s) -
Sun Jiandong,
Lucas Robyn M.,
Harrison Simone L.,
Mei Ingrid,
Whiteman David C.,
Mason Rebecca,
Nowak Madeleine,
Brodie Alison M.,
Kimlin Michael G.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
photochemistry and photobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.818
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1751-1097
pISSN - 0031-8655
DOI - 10.1111/php.12265
Subject(s) - dosimeter , ultraviolet radiation , environmental health , medicine , protocol (science) , toxicology , dosimetry , nuclear medicine , biology , chemistry , radiochemistry , alternative medicine , pathology
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.