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Biomedical subjects

J A Shoveller

Publications and source records attributed to J A Shoveller.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Using structural equation modeling to examine factors that influence sunburn frequency and severity among adults living in Canada.

This study uses structural equation modeling to examine hypothesized relationships between sunburn and physical characteristics and potentially modifiable behavior. The analysis was based on self-reported data collected from a randomly selected national sample of Canadian adults. An initial model was tested with 50% of the cases (n = 1,408); the remaining cases (n = 1,298) were reserved for confirmatory testing. After the initial model failed, theoretically plausible effects were added incrementally to improve overall model fit. The initial model yielded: chi2(68 d.f.) = 3199.41 (P < .001) and the AGFI = .56. With 32 added effects, a fit model resulted in: chi2(36 d.f.) = 394.35 (P < .001), AGFI = 0.87, and IFI = 0.91 (the Critical-N was 210). Model fit was confirmed. Suntanning, failure to wear protective clothing, and sun exposure were associated with the frequency of severity-adjusted sunburns. Sunscreen use was not associated with sunburn frequency-severity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Measuring self-reported sunburn: challenges and recommendations.

Sunburn is a major preventable risk associated with the development of malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Thus, it is considered a key epidemiological concept to assess in prevention research and a core component of routine behavioural surveillance and program evaluation efforts. This review examined 38 English- language survey instruments and research reports published between 1990 and 1999 that used self-report data or parent-proxy reports of sunburn outcome. A qualitative review of the instruments and reports identified several methodological issues: the conceptual and operation definitions of sunburn; the recall period, and the use of self-reports and parent-proxy reports. As there was little consistency in definitional issues or recall periods across the studies, it is difficult to meaningfully compare their findings. Key issues that program evaluators and researchers should consider in determining the strengths and limitations of various definitions, measures and approaches are examined. Recommendations for measurement of sunburn and for further research are included.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Canadian National Survey on Sun Exposure & Protective Behaviours: methods.

This article describes the methods used for the 1996 Canadian National Survey on Sun Exposure & Protective Behaviours. A 55-item random-digit-dialling telephone household survey of people 15 years of age or more was completed in 1996. Items assessed were daily sun exposure and protective behaviours, as well as other sun-related behaviours and attitudes. Data were collected regarding sun-related behaviours during leisure, work time and winter holidays, as well as for children 12 years of age or less (as reported by parents). To test for an effect on the survey response rate, a letter of introduction was sent to 40% of the households. The survey response rate was 69% (4023 successfully completed surveys out of 5847 households included in the sample). The response rate achieved in the subset that received the introductory letter was 75%. This survey is the first to establish national population estimates for sun exposure and protective behaviours in Canada.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Canadian National Survey on Sun Exposure & Protective Behaviours: adults at leisure.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of sun exposure and protective behaviours during leisure time among Canadian adults 25 years of age or more. DESIGN: A random-digit-dialling telephone household survey of 4023 people 15 years of age or more was completed; 3449 adults 25 years of age or more responded to questions about sun exposure and protective behaviours from June to August 1996. RESULTS: Many of the adults (51%) reported getting 30 minutes to 2 hours of daily sun exposure, and 26% reported getting more than 2 hours. Half (50%) reported having one or more sunburns during the study period; 21% said they actively spent time suntanning. Less than half reported taking adequate protective actions. Women, light-complexioned and adults 65 years or more were more likely than men, medium- or dark-complexioned adults and adults in younger groups to protect themselves. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the adults said they forgot to take protective actions, 47% felt it was inconvenient to do so, and 29% were not concerned about sun exposure. DISCUSSION: Canadian adults, especially younger men, are exposed to significant amounts of sun during summer leisure time, but they do not always protect themselves adequately. Interventions should emphasize and facilitate convenient, effective sun protection strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Canadian National Survey on Sun Exposure & Protective Behaviours: youth at leisure.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of sun exposure and protective behaviours during leisure time among Canadian youth 15 to 24 years of age. DESIGN: A random-digit-dialling telephone household survey of 4023 people 15 years of age or more was completed in 1996; 574 youth responded to questions about their sun exposure and protective behaviours from June to August 1996. RESULTS: Half of the youth (51%) reported 30 minutes to 2 hours of daily sun exposure, and 36% reported more than 2 hours. A large proportion (68%) reported sunburns. The prevalence of sun protective actions ranged from 38% for wearing a hat to 26% for both seeking shade and avoiding the sun between 11 am and 4 pm. There were sex differences in sun-related behaviours among youth. DISCUSSION: The large proportion of Canadian youth who reported sun exposure and the small proportion who reported taking protective actions suggest the need for primary prevention. Interventions should address sex differences and focus on multiple methods of protection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Canadian National Survey on Sun Exposure & Protective Behaviours: parents' reports on children.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of sun exposure and protective behaviours among Canadian children 12 years of age or less, as reported by their parents. DESIGN: A random-digit-dialling telephone household survey of 4023 people 15 years of age or more was completed in 1996; 1051 parents responded to questions about their children's sun-related behaviours from June to August 1996. RESULTS: Most children (89%) had 30 minutes or more of daily sun exposure, and many of them (45%) had sunburns. The prevalence of sun protective actions ranged from 36% for avoiding the sun to 76% for using sunscreen. Parental reports on sun protection for children 5 years of age or less differed significantly from reports for children 6 to 12 years old. DISCUSSION: High levels of sun exposure among Canadian children suggests the need for protection. Use of multiple methods of sun protection should be emphasized to parents, school personnel, recreation staff and child-care workers.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cooperation and collaboration between a public health unit and midsized private industry in health promotion programming: the Polymer Heart Health Program experience.

In 1990, Cobequid Health Unit was approached by Polymer International, a plastics manufacturer, and planning began for a worksite cardiovascular risk factor screening and follow-up program. In 1991, 302 Polymer employees (89.1%) participated in a screening. Follow-up included smoking cessation programs, fitness opportunities, dietary counselling, and physician referral for further investigation of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Policy and environmental changes include heart healthy foods at the cafeteria, development of non-smoking policy, and coverage under the corporate group insurance plan for dietary counselling. This process demonstrates the potential for public health and private industry to collaborate in preventive efforts and the principles required for success.

Adolescent↗