Impact of UV-based self-assessed photoaging on sun protection intentions: validation based on trail runners and their companions

Background: Appearance-based interventions emphasize how UV exposure contributes to the premature aging of skin. Objectives: The current study was aimed at evaluating the impact of self-assessed skin damage based on UV imaging on the intention to modify photoprotection habits. Materials & Methods: A prospective observational study was performed. Mountain runners and their companions participating in the GAP Trail were invited to participate. Participants were asked to complete a validated questionnaire about sun exposure habits, and were invited to see an image of their faces using SkinScope. Results: In total, 116 people participated in the study. The degree of photoaging established by the dermatologist using the Glogau score significantly correlated with that based on self-assessment by the participants using the UV system (p < 0.001). Almost all UV fluorescence image colours significantly correlated with the grade of photoaging. After seeing their image with the UV system, 65.5% stated that they would improve photoprotection measures. Conclusion: UV imaging is a reliable way to self-evaluate photoaging and may reinforce photoprotection habits.

Hábitos y conocimientos sobre fotoprotección y factores de riesgo para quemadura solar en corredores de maratones de montaña / Sun Protection Behaviors and Knowledge in Mountain Marathon Runners and Risk Factors for Sunburn

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: El cáncer cutáneo está aumentando su incidencia de forma alarmante en nuestra sociedad, debido a la sobreexposición a la radiación ultravioleta solar (RUV), ya sea por motivos laborales o por ocio. El objetivo del presente estudio es valorar los conocimientos, actitudes y hábitos sobre la exposición solar y la fotoprotección en corredores participantes en una ultramaratón de montaña, así como estimar los factores de riesgo para sufrir quemadura solar. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal, prospectivo descriptivo a los participantes de la «Gran Trail Aneto-Posets» (GTTAP). Se evaluaron las características sociodemográficas, la experiencia como corredor, la historia de quemadura solar en el verano previo y los hábitos y prácticas de exposición solar mediante una encuesta validada. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, bivariado y multivariante, tomando como variable principal de resultado la presencia de quemadura solar, estableciendo un nivel de significación en p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 657 corredores, 72,1% fueron hombres, con una media de edad de 39,71 años. El 45,1% de los encuestados reconocían haberse quemado en el último año. Las gafas fue el método fotoprotector más utilizado (74,7%), seguido del fotoprotector (factor de protección solar [FPS] > 15) (61,9%), el gorro/a (52,2%), y por último, la ropa (7,4%). Mientras que tener menos edad, fototipo bajo (I y II), correr durante tres o más horas al día y resguardarse a la sombra como medida de fotoprotección se comportaron como factores de riesgo para haber sufrido quemadura solar; las actitudes favorables al uso de cremas y a la búsqueda de la sombra al mediodía, en vez de estar al sol, se comportaron como factores protectores (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: La incidencia de quemaduras solares es alta entre los corredores de trails de larga distancia en montaña, pese a que sus conocimientos y hábitos parecen adecuados. Se necesita diseñar estrategias para mejorar los hábitos de fotoprotección adaptados a su práctica deportiva

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of skin cancer in our society is growing at an alarming rate due to overexposure to solar UV radiation in recreational and occupational settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate sun exposure and protection attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge among mountain ultramarathon runners and to assess risk factors for sunburn in this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of runners who participated in the «Gran Trail Aneto-Posets» race in Aragon, Spain. Using a validated questionnaire, we collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, running experience, sunburn in the previous summer, and sun exposure and protection behaviors. We calculated descriptive statistics and performed bivariate and multivariate analyses of associations using history of sunburn as the primary outcome. Statistical significance was set at a p level of less than 0.05. RESULTS: We surveyed 657 runners (72.1% men) with a mean age of 39.71 years; 45.1% reported sunburn in the past year. The most common protective measures used were sunglasses (74.7%), sunscreen (sun protection factor ≥ 15) (61.9%), a hat (52.2%), and other protective clothing (7.4%). Risk factors for sunburn were younger age, low Fitzpatrick skin type (I and II), running for three or more hours a day, and staying in the shade as a protective measure. By contrast, protective factors were use of sunscreen and seeking shade rather than sun at midday (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sunburn is common among long-distance mountain runners, despite what appears to be adequate sun protection knowledge and behaviors. Targeted strategies are needed to improve sun protection behaviors among mountain runners

Sun Protection Behaviors and Knowledge in Mountain Marathon Runners and Risk Factors for Sunburn. / Hábitos y conocimientos sobre fotoprotección y factores de riesgo para quemadura solar en corredores de maratones de montaña.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of skin cancer in our society is growing at an alarming rate due to overexposure to solar UV radiation in recreational and occupational settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate sun exposure and protection attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge among mountain ultramarathon runners and to assess risk factors for sunburn in this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of runners who participated in the «Gran Trail Aneto-Posets¼ race in Aragon, Spain. Using a validated questionnaire, we collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, running experience, sunburn in the previous summer, and sun exposure and protection behaviors. We calculated descriptive statistics and performed bivariate and multivariate analyses of associations using history of sunburn as the primary outcome. Statistical significance was set at a p level of less than 0.05. RESULTS: We surveyed 657 runners (72.1% men) with a mean age of 39.71 years; 45.1% reported sunburn in the past year. The most common protective measures used were sunglasses (74.7%), sunscreen (sun protection factor ≥ 15) (61.9%), a hat (52.2%), and other protective clothing (7.4%). Risk factors for sunburn were younger age, low Fitzpatrick skin type (I and II), running for three or more hours a day, and staying in the shade as a protective measure. By contrast, protective factors were use of sunscreen and seeking shade rather than sun at midday (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sunburn is common among long-distance mountain runners, despite what appears to be adequate sun protection knowledge and behaviors. Targeted strategies are needed to improve sun protection behaviors among mountain runners.