Kite-surfers' sun risk in the tropics

Ultraviolet exposure of competitors during a Tokyo Olympic Sailing Regatta Test Event

BACKGROUND

Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Photoprotection practices and sunburn play a crucial role in skin cancer prevention.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to quantify the risk of sun exposure and to evaluate photoprotection practices in Spanish sailors during Olympic competitions.

METHODS

Solar daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation cycle, personal UV dosimetry, photoprotection practices and sunburn checking were followed during three consecutive days of competition among sailors from the Spanish Olympic Sailing Team during a Tokyo Olympic Regatta Test Event.

RESULTS

A total of 13 sailors (7 women), with mean age of 27.6 ± 4.7 years and sports experience of 17.7 ± 5.4 years, were studied. The most common phototypes were type III (53.8%) and type II (38.5%). The rate of sunburn checked was high (46.2%). The mean daily personal UV exposure received was 761.0 ± 263.6 J/m² , 3.0 ± 1.1 minimal erythemal dose and 7.6 ± 2.6 standard erythemal dose, seven times greater than the maximum permissible UV light exposure values for an 8 h working day. The use of a T-shirt was the most common practice (94.2%), followed by the use of shade (50.2%), hat/cap (44.0%), sunglasses (26.1%) and sunscreen (11.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Olympic sailor's studies presented high levels of UV radiation received, high rate of sunburn and insufficient adherence to sun-protective behaviours (especially, to use of sunscreen) to prevent sunburn, the main cause of skin cancer. Sport Federations should develop educational campaigns addressing sun-related exposure habits and photoprotection behaviours to reduce the risk of skin cancer among these athletes.

Sun Exposure and Photoprotection: Habits, Knowledge and Attitudes Among Elite Kitesurfers

Kitesurfing is one of many water sports that are growing in popularity throughout the world. In such sports, practitioners are exposed not only to direct sunlight but also to reflection from the water surface, which aggravates the impact of solar radiation on the skin. This study sought to analyse the photoprotection and photoexposure habits and knowledge of elite kitesurfers and their beliefs and attitudes in this respect. A sample of convenience of 72 male kitesurfers completed a validated questionnaire in full. By Fitzpatrick phototype, the most common classes were types I and II (69.4%). On average, kitesurfers had been practising their sport for 10.93 years, at a rate of 13.93 h per week. During the last sports season, 84.7% of respondents had suffered at least one sunburn, while 43.1% had been sunburned at least three times. The sun protection practice most commonly adopted was the use of sunscreen cream, which was used by 79.2% of respondents. Although 43.2% of respondents recognized to be worried about they might get skin cancer from the sun, 31.9% does not like using sunscreen and 44.4% like sunbathing. Regarding the respondents' knowledge of facts about sun exposure, the average rate of correct answers for the items evaluated was 66.9%. In conclusion, elite kitesurfers are potentially exposed to dangerous levels of UV radiation, which caused numerous sunburn episodes during the last sports season. It is necessary to raise these athletes' awareness of their risk of developing skin cancer and of the need to improve their sun protection and skin surveillance practices.

Skin cancer and sun protective behaviours in water-based sports: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Individuals who participate in outdoor sports are subject to an increased risk of developing skin cancer. To date, there has been no review examining skin cancer and sun protective behaviours specific to outdoor, water-based sports. Therefore, this scoping reviews objectives were to (a) summarize volume and type of the scientific literature available relating to skin cancer, (b) examine current sun protective behaviours and (c) identify knowledge gaps to inform future research.

METHOD

A scoping review was conducted to address the objectives following the PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases were searched; identified studies were screened based on title, abstract and full text for outdoor water-based sports, which examined skin cancer and/or sun protective behaviours. Data were extracted, synthesized and critically appraised using a modified AXIS tool. Percentage frequencies were calculated, and key results were placed in tabular or graphical presentation.

RESULTS

Nine cross-sectional studies were identified, all defined as low-level evidence. A combined sample of 4377 participants across six countries and five water-based sports showed BCC (71%) was the most common skin cancer, followed by melanoma (18%) and SCC (10%). The head (41%) and upper limbs (27%) were the most common location.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the minimal research available and demonstrates those in water-based sports are at high risk of developing skin cancer. Due to difficulty adhering to sun protective behaviours, the most prevalent location is the upper body. Included studies were of low-level evidence, providing opportunity for future research to expand upon the gaps in the current literature.

Sun-related behaviors, attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors

BACKGROUND

Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports increased sun exposure times. Sun protection behaviors and attitudes are utmost importance to reduce sun exposure.

AIMS

To evaluate sun exposure habits, sun protection practices, and sun-related attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors.

METHODS

This descriptive observational study analysed the answers of a validated self-reported questionnaire of habits, attitudes and knowledge related to sun exposure and skin cancer completed by 56 elite sailors with disabilities from 19 countries which taking part in 2019 Para World Sailing Championships.

RESULTS

Three in four (76.8%) participants reported a history of sunburn in the previous season. Overall, participants showed an average for sport practice per week of 8.0 h (SD: 4.9). Participants reported a low adherence to sun protection practice, with the exception of using sunglasses (85.7%), sunscreen (83.9%) and hat (75%), having a very low rate (28.6%) of avoidance of midday sun and an inadequate sunscreen reapplication (33.9% reported "do not reapply" and 16.1% "reapply every one or 2 h"). Although 82.1% of participants reported to be worried about can get skin cancer out of the sun, they also presented excessive sun tanning attitudes (42.9% likes sunbathing and 57.1% sunbathing makes them feel well). The average score for sun-related knowledge was low (62.1 out 100 points; SD: 13.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness campaigns on sun risk are needed specifically directed at this target group, in order to improve their sun protection habits and reduce the rates of sunburn associated with sports practice.

A Normative Behavior of Pre-Travel Health Consultation and the Associated Factors among Travelers

Introduction: Travelers may transmit diseases due to their behavior of travel, consequently travelers should consider preventive measurement through pre-travel health consultation seeking behavior. Pre-travel health consultation is a particular preparation ideally conducted by international travelers to obtain risk assessment and management to prevent the transmission of diseases. This study investigates the relationship of socio-demographic characteristics and itinerary on pre-travel health consultation behavior among international travelers in Badung, Bali.Methods: A descriptive-correlative design using a cross-sectional approach employed 125 participants determined by a purposive sampling technique performed in the ten tourist destinations of Badung Regency. Data collection was conducted on February 15th until March 5th, 2020. Data demography, travel plan, and anonymous questionnaires regarding pre-travel health consultation behavior are used in this research. The Gamma coefficient correlation and Kruskal-Wallis statistic tests were performed in the study for bivariate analysis.Results: The results showed that age (p<0.0001; r=-0.650) and past-travel history to Bali (p=0.004; r=-0.475) were significantly correlated with pre-travel health consultation behavior among international travelers in Badung, Bali. Meanwhile sex, nationality, last education, travel duration, and types of the destination visited were not significantly associated with pre-travel health consultation behavior among international travelers in Badung, Bali (p>0.05).Conclusion: The age and past-travel history to Bali seem to be predictors for travelers to uptake pre-travel health consultation, thus nurses should be able to promote the implementation of pre-travel health consultation by utilizing the media promotion appropriately adjusted to the age of travelers and travel experience.

Sunscreen for adventure travel: use sun protection factor 50 or higher

For adventure travel to high altitude and low latitude locations as well as to areas with depleted ozone or snow cover, travelers should use clothing that blocks UV radiation and should liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or 50+ to exposed skin.

Solar Ultraviolet Exposure in Individuals Who Perform Outdoor Sport Activities

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the USA. Therefore, it is important to review the contribution of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure to skin cancer in individuals with the highest risk. Documenting the relationship between outdoor sports solar ultraviolet exposure and their risk of skin cancer along with appropriate risk mitigation strategies can help inform clinicians of practical information for counseling sun protective behaviors in this population.

METHODS

We conducted a review of the current evidence using PubMed to answer the following research questions: (1) How is ultraviolet radiation measured? (2) What is the modern utility of the ultraviolet index in modifying recreational sun protection behaviors? (3) What is the risk of developing skin cancer for outdoor sport participants? (4) What is the prevalence of skin cancer in sport participants? and (5) Is the number of nevi and solar lentigines elevated in outdoor sport participants?

RESULTS

Based on the literature, individuals who practice outdoor sport-related activities receive high ultraviolet radiation exposure, have a high risk for skin cancer, have a high prevalence for pigmented lesions, and may benefit from electronic sun protection educational interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals who practice outdoor sports experience substantially higher ultraviolet radiation exposure, routinely exceed the recommended exposure limits, and are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, those who are frequently engaged in outdoor leisure activities should be coached about efficient sun protective practices and relevant mobile technologies that may facilitate adherence.

The Simulated Ocular and Whole-Body Distribution of Natural Sunlight to Kiteboarders: A High-Risk Case of UVR Exposure for Athletes Utilizing Water Surfaces in Sport

Kiteboarding is an aquatic sporting discipline that has not yet been considered in the literature to date in terms of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) measurement. Kiteboarders need to look upward and are placed obliquely relative to the horizon when towed behind an overhead kite over a reflective water surface. This research defines the typical body surface orientation of a kiteboarder in motion through video vector analysis and demonstrates the potential risk to ocular and skin surface damage through practical measurement of solar UVR using a manikin model. Video analysis of 51 kiteboarders was made to construct skeletal wireframes showing the surface orientation of the leg, thigh, spine, humerus, lower arm and head of a typical kiteboarder. Solar UVR dosimeter measurements made using a manikin model demonstrate that the vertex and anterior surfaces of the knee, lower leg and lower humerus received 89%, 90%, 80% and 63% of the available ambient UVR, respectively, for a typical kiteboarder who is tilted back more than 15° from vertical while in motion. Ocular (periorbital) exposures ranged from 56% to 68% of ambient. These new findings show that the anterior skin surfaces of kiteboarders and the eye are at elevated risk of solar UVR damage.