A digital heliometric device for monitoring sun exposure in cases of hypovitaminosis D: A qualitative analysis of user evaluations from the UAE

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Informatics in Medicine Unlocked

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a significant health concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly among females. Wearable devices designed to encourage safe sun exposure could potentially help individuals achieve and sustain healthy vitamin D levels. Objective: This qualitative, proof-of-concept study aimed to explore the evaluations of Emirati women with hypovitaminosis D regarding the usability and effectiveness of wearing a novel heliometric device to promote and measure safe sun exposure. Methods: Nine Emirati women, aged between 19 and 21, adhered to a protocol stipulating that they wear the heliometric device (a wristband) for 10 min daily over one week. Participants were also asked to follow recommended sun exposure guidance. After one week, qualitative evaluations of participant experiences were elicited via open-ended survey questions (an online evaluation form). All participants were also interviewed to elaborate on their written answers. All qualitative data were explored using thematic analysis. Results: Overall, participants' evaluations of the device were positive. There was broad agreement that the heliometric wristband encouraged compliance with the recommended sun exposure guidance. Other factors that influenced compliance included climatic conditions, religio-cultural clothing norms, and physical activity preferences. Participants were generally favorable about the device's usability and accuracy, although there were some concerns about wearability and connection challenges. Participants suggested improvements in device design and functionality to enhance usability, wearability, and connectivity. The device appeared to help raise awareness and correct misconceptions among participants. Conclusion: The wearable heliometric device was well tolerated, and such devices could be used as an adjunctive technology to help combat hypovitaminosis D by encouraging safe sun behaviors. Further quantitative research using larger samples, longer durations, and control conditions could assess the clinical effectiveness of such devices.

ISSN

2352-9148

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Volume

50

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

Hypovitaminosis D, Mobile app, Sun exposure, UAE, Vitamin D, Wearable device

Scopus ID

85201292482

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series

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