title: Measuring exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation using a dosimetric technique: understanding participant compliance issues.
abstract: Personal ultraviolet dosimeters have been used in epidemiological studies to understand the risks and benefits of individuals' exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We investigated the types and determinants of noncompliance associated with a protocol for use of polysulphone UVR dosimeters. In the AusD Study, 1002 Australian adults (aged 18-75 years) were asked to wear a new dosimeter on their wrist each day for 10 consecutive days to quantify their daily exposure to solar UVR. Of the 10 020 dosimeters distributed, 296 (3%) were not returned or used (Type-I noncompliance) and other usage errors were reported for 763 (8%) returned dosimeters (Type-II noncompliance). Type-I errors were more common in participants with predominantly outdoor occupations. Type-II errors were reported more frequently on the first day of measurement; weekend days or rainy days; and among females; younger people; more educated participants or those with outdoor occupations. Half (50%) the participants reported a noncompliance error on at least 1 day during the 10-day period. However, 92% of participants had at least 7 days of usable data without any apparent noncompliance issues. The factors identified should be considered when designing future UVR dosimetry studies.
authors.affiliation: AusSun Research Laboratory, School of Public Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, School of Public Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Jiandong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Robyn M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.forename: Simone L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: van der Mei
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Whiteman
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: Madeleine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nowak
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Brodie
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Kimlin