title: Self-estimation or phototest measurement of skin UV sensitivity and its association with people's attitudes towards sun exposure.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fitzpatrick's classification is the most common way of assessing skin UV sensitivity. The study aim was to investigate how self-estimated and actual UV sensitivity, as measured by phototest, are associated with attitudes towards sunbathing and the propensity to increase sun protection, as well as the correlation between self-estimated and actual UV sensitivity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 166 primary healthcare patients filled-out a questionnaire investigating attitudes towards sunbathing and the propensity to increase sun protection. They reported their skin type according to Fitzpatrick, and a UV sensitivity phototest was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Self-rated low UV sensitivity (skin type III-VI) was associated with a more positive attitude towards sunbathing and a lower propensity to increase sun protection, compared to high UV sensitivity. The correlation between the two methods was weak.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings might indicate that individuals with a perceived low but in reality high UV sensitivity do not seek adequate sun protection with regard to skin cancer risk. Furthermore, the poor correlation between self-reported and actual UV sensitivity, measured by phototest, makes the clinical use of Fitzpatrick's classification questionable.
authors: Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Community Medicine, Primary Care, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden. magnus.falk@lio.se.
authors: Magnus
authors: M
authors: Falk
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D055108:Sunbathing / Q000523:psychology*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Ultraviolet rays; attitudes; phototest; skin neoplasms; skin type