Reducing UV radiation (UVR) exposure is essential for the prevention of melanoma; the former can be assessed by using wearable technology by individuals, which is a promising method to monitor and reduce UVR exposure. 

A recent study published in JMIR Dermatology assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using a commercially available UVR monitoring wearable device by adults and children.

In this cross-sectional questionnaire study, families (1 parent and 1 child) were recruited to test a new, commercially available UVR monitoring device (namely, Shade). A total of 194 participants wore Shade for two weeks and completed questionnaires.

The mean age of the children enrolled was 12.7 years. Both, adults and children reported moderate satisfaction with wearing Shade. The feasibility of the use of Shade was adequate—73% of adults and 61% of children reported that they wore the device during most outdoor ventures. Furthermore, the participants stated that the device was easy to use, compact, and helped in increasing awareness about their exposure to UVR.

It was concluded that adults and children can feasibly use a wearable UVR monitoring device, and the use of the device was acceptable to participants. It was suggested that the device could be integrated into melanoma preventive interventions to increase the awareness of UVR exposure and to facilitate the implementation of preventive strategies.

Source: JMIR Dermatology. 2020;3(1):e15711. doi: 10.2196/15711. Epub 2020 Apr 29.