Measuring self-reported sunburn: challenges and recommendations.
Sunburn is a major preventable risk associated with the development of malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Thus, it is considered a key epidemiological concept to assess in prevention research and a core component of routine behavioural surveillance and program evaluation efforts. This review examined 38 English- language survey instruments and research reports published between 1990 and 1999 that used self-report data or parent-proxy reports of sunburn outcome. A qualitative review of the instruments and reports identified several methodological issues: the conceptual and operation definitions of sunburn; the recall period, and the use of self-reports and parent-proxy reports. As there was little consistency in definitional issues or recall periods across the studies, it is difficult to meaningfully compare their findings. Key issues that program evaluators and researchers should consider in determining the strengths and limitations of various definitions, measures and approaches are examined. Recommendations for measurement of sunburn and for further research are included.
Shoveller
J A
JA
Centre for Community Health and Health Evaluation Research and the Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, University of British Columbia, 5804 Fairview Avenue, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3. jshovell@interchange.ubc.ca
Lovato
C Y
CY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*