Sun exposure reduction by melanoma survivors with wearable sensor providing real-time UV exposure and daily text messages with structured goal setting

Abstract

Despite knowledge of subsequent melanoma risk and the benefit of sun protection in risk reduction, melanoma survivors often do not engage in adequate sun protection and continue to sunburn at rates similar to individuals without a history of skin cancer. This novel intensive intervention provided a wearable UV sensor delivering real-time UV exposure with a smartphone and daily text messages. On days 1-10 (period 1), behavioral facilitation and outcome expectancies messages were provided. On day 10, participants reviewed and reflected on their daily UV exposure on the previous 10 days and set goals for improving sun protection. Then on days 11-21 (period 2) self-efficacy and self-regulation messages were provided. Sixty melanoma survivors were randomized (1:1) to receive structured or unstructured goal setting queries on day 10. Controlling for cloudy/rain conditions with less UV due to weather, there was a time effect with a significant decrease in UV exposure from periods 1-2 [period 1-2, F (59) = 22.60, p < 0.0001]. In this short-term study, melanoma survivors managed their daily UV exposure to stay below their maximum tolerated UV dose. ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record NCT0334796, date of registration Nov 15, 2017.

Keywords: Melanoma; Mobile health; Primary prevention; Sun protection; Wearable sun sensor technology.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of or competing interests for the following authors (JKR, EG, MK, SYH, MWK) Mr. Banks and Dr. Rogers declare a relationship with Wearifi, Inc. and a patent on the device (U.S. Patent Application: 15/578,602 and U.S. Patent Application No.: 15/578,617).

© 2020. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Figures

Figure 1.

Mean daily UVA exposure over time Daily UVA exposure (J/m2) decreased significantly from period 1 (day 1-10) to period 2 (day 11-21). Review of daily UVA exposure on days 1-10 and goal setting was performed by melanoma survivors on the evening of day 10.

Figure 2.

Mean daily UVA exposure over time by structured or unstructured group After performing goal setting in the evening of day 10, participants randomized to the structured goal (blue) setting demonstrate sustained reduction in daily UVA dose.