Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39773804›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2025

Cross-sectional study protocol to assess ultraviolet radiation exposure among military outdoor workers in Lohatla, Northern Cape Province of South Africa.

Sipho David Galawe, Kgomotso Lebelo, Phoka Caiphus Rathebe

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Sipho David GalaweLife Sciences, Central University of Technology Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0008-8518-6268
Kgomotso LebeloOccupational Health Division, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa kgomotso.lebelo@wits.ac.za.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2282-6375
Phoka Caiphus RathebeDepartment of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg - Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9095-354X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThe sun is one of the primary natural sources of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and a known human carcinogen. It has been related to melanoma and several skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Non-melanoma skin cancers are prevalent in South Africa, with high reported incidence rates in both genders. Due to its diversified population, South Africa experiences extreme ultraviolet index (UVI) levels, reaching 13 in the summer (a UVI of 11+ is considered extreme). Most summer workdays expose outdoor workers to repeated UVR exposure, which can lead to health risks like sunburn, premature ageing, cataracts, and an increased risk of skin cancer. This study aims to evaluate UV radiation exposure among outdoor military workers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A cross-sectional quantitative study will occur at the Lohatla military base in Kathu, Northern Cape province of South Africa, using personal electronic dosimeters for solar UVR assessment. Additionally, a self-administered questionnaire will assist in assessing health effects and perceived exposure behaviours. The study addresses a critical public health concern, exploring significant risks associated with UVR exposure among outdoor military workers across different demographics. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Health Sciences Research Committees of the University of Free State (UFS-HSD2023/1227/2811). The confidential data will be accessed by the named researchers and stored in secure password-protected platforms. In addition, the findings will be disseminated through high-impact publications in various formats to government departments and the broader scientific community.

Indexed as

Military PersonnelOccupational ExposureUltraviolet RaysAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleRadiation ExposureResearch DesignSkin NeoplasmsSouth AfricaSurveys and QuestionnairesEPIDEMIOLOGYHealth SurveysOCCUPATIONAL & INDUSTRIAL MEDICINEPUBLIC HEALTH

Identifiers

PMID39773804
PMCPMC11749638

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.