Measuring behavioral interventions by questionnaires and prospective diaries: an example of sunscreen use.
BACKGROUND
Diaries are used to measure behavior in intervention trials, despite the tendency of diaries to overestimate adherence.


METHODS
We estimated the frequency of sunscreen application using prospective diaries and a questionnaire in a trial evaluating sunscreen use.


RESULTS
Sunscreen application was reported more frequently in the diaries than in the questionnaire by the intervention group. This was supported by an increase in the weight of sunscreen used during the times participants were keeping diaries.


CONCLUSIONS
Diaries may be better as an aid to increase adherence than as a tool for its estimation. Use of diaries did not overestimate the frequency of application in the control group.
Neale
Rachel E
RE
Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. racheln@qimr.edu.au
Green
Adèle C
AC
D001315:Australia; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D013473:Sunscreening Agents