Measuring self-reported sunburn: Challenges and recommendations

Sunburn is a major preventable risk associated with the development of malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. 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 operational 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. We examine key issues that program evaluators and researchers should consider in determining the strengths and limitations of various definitions, measures and approaches and include recommendations for measurement of sunburn and for further research.