JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mortality rates from melanoma are higher among Hispanic populations than non-Hispanic whites. Easily implemented primary prevention techniques to improve sun safety are needed. The Reveal® Imager is a camera that uses standard white light and cross-polarized flash photography to record surface and sub-surface skin conditions.

Objective:

To determine its effectiveness in increasing awareness of sun damage and exposure reduction between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites.

Methods:

A cohort of 322 participants, ≥18 years, were recruited at 9 community events around Denver Metropolitan area from June 2018 – March 2019. Baseline information was collected on demographics, sun exposure, and perception of risk factors. Then a facial image was captured using the Reveal® Imager. The results were explained and counseling on sun safety was followed by filling out an immediate post-image survey. Statistical analysis was completed with Chi-Square, ANOVA, Wilcoxon signed rank, McNemar’s tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

At follow-up, 81% of participants reported that viewing the UV photo-aged image influenced an intent-to-change sun-protection behaviors. However, this differed by ethnicity; as 89% of Hispanic participants reported a likelihood of change compared to 73% of NHW participants (OR: 2.9; 95CI: 1.5-5.6). 68% of Hispanics reported that they intended to increase sunscreen use, compared to only 34% of NHW participants (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated an application of Reveal® imager for education and risk assessment. The Reveal® imager was especially helpful motivating intention to change sun exposure among Hispanic populations. Scaling this intervention to primary care could impact larger populations. Clinical Trial: N/A