title: [Understanding and use of the global solar UV index ("UV index") by French dermatologists].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The principal risk factor for development of skin cancers is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The universal solar UV index (UVI) consists of a simple measurement of UV radiation at the earth's surface, which provides an indicator of the risk of skin lesions in the absence of protective measures and taking into account individual phototype. The UVI is recommended by the WHO and is used to educate populations about the need to take protective measures in the event of exposure to UV radiation. There have been very few studies to assess understanding of this index, and these have been conducted primarily among the general population. Our study assesses understanding and use of the UVI among dermatologists in metropolitan France.
  
  
  METHODS
  This survey was conducted in December 2011 among 400 randomly selected French dermatologists. The questions asked concerned their personal and professional knowledge and their use of the UVI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We analysed 165 (41.5%) of the answers. The UVI was known to 79% of the dermatologists questioned. Less than one third of dermatologists knew the key values in the UVI. Less than half of the dermatologists aware of the UVI reported acting upon the values in question. Only 12.1% of the dermatologists said that they used the index in their communication concerning prevention of sunburn.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of our study show that the UVI is poorly known and not very widely used among dermatologists in France. This index, readily understood by anyone, could be incorporated by dermatologists in their prevention messages concerning solar radiation and it could be used throughout the year, particularly in target populations such as schoolchildren and children taking part in outdoor sports.
authors: Service de dermatologie, centre hospitalier Victor-Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel-Prud'hon, 95107 Argenteuil cedex, France.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Sin
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Beauchet
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Marchal
authors: M-L
authors: ML
authors: Sigal
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Mahé
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D003880:Dermatology; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007394:International System of Units; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008685:Meteorological Concepts; D008875:Middle Aged; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010819:Physician's Role; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents