Lansdown TC, Cowan S, Nioi A, Cowie H, Wendelboe-Nelson C, Rashid S, Ritchie P, Cherrie JW. Vitamin D and UV exposure in construction workers-a randomized control trial using text messaging to promote positive behaviours.
J Public Health (Oxf) 2020;
42:594-601. [PMID:
31120504 DOI:
10.1093/pubmed/fdz056]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine whether a text messaging intervention (supported by a smartphone application) would be effective in the promotion of sun-safe behaviours. Both excessive and insufficient exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation were considered.
METHODS
A randomized control crossover trial was conducted. 112 participants from nine sites in the United Kingdom contributed to the study. There were three intervention waves, two in winter (Vitamin D-focussed) and one in summer (UV exposure-focussed). Stages of Change, Standard Erythemal (UV) Dose and assayed blood samples (Vitamin D) were employed to evaluate the effectiveness throughout the 21-day data collection periods.
RESULTS
The intervention was effective in promoting positive progression in Stages of Change for Vitamin D; and this in turn was predictive of increased Vitamin D levels in participants. More limited positive findings were found with respect to UV exposure. Overall, for those in the Intervention, Vitamin D levels were significantly predicted to increase during both of the winter data collection waves.
CONCLUSIONS
Interventions of this type are recommended to promote healthy Vitamin-D levels in construction workers.
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