title: Using structural equation modeling to examine factors that influence sunburn frequency and severity among adults living in Canada.
abstract: This study uses structural equation modeling to examine hypothesized relationships between sunburn and physical characteristics and potentially modifiable behavior. The analysis was based on self-reported data collected from a randomly selected national sample of Canadian adults. An initial model was tested with 50% of the cases (n = 1,408); the remaining cases (n = 1,298) were reserved for confirmatory testing. After the initial model failed, theoretically plausible effects were added incrementally to improve overall model fit. The initial model yielded: chi2(68 d.f.) = 3199.41 (P < .001) and the AGFI = .56. With 32 added effects, a fit model resulted in: chi2(36 d.f.) = 394.35 (P < .001), AGFI = 0.87, and IFI = 0.91 (the Critical-N was 210). Model fit was confirmed. Suntanning, failure to wear protective clothing, and sun exposure were associated with the frequency of severity-adjusted sunburns. Sunscreen use was not associated with sunburn frequency-severity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Care and Epidemiology and Centre for Community Health and Health Evaluation Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Shoveller
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Ratner
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011603:Psychophysiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013471:Sunburn / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents