Higher UV Index Predicts Very Slightly Lower Distress for Population

Higher UV Index Predicts Very Slightly Lower Distress for Population

Contents

Variables

A
UV Index 595
A
Distress 1349

Categories

A
Environment 564
A
Emotions 2028

Tags

Medium Confidence
Very Weak Effect Size
Negative Relationship
Population Study
cause image gauge image effect image
Participants reported a 1% average decrease in Distress following above average UV Index.

Abstract

Distress was generally 21.3143% higher than average after 5.67 index of UV Index per 24 hours.

Aggregated data from 14 study participants suggests with a MEDIUM degree of confidence (p=0.188, 95% CI -1.029 to 0.978) that UV Index has a very weakly negative predictive relationship (R=-0.0256) with Distress.

The highest quartile of Distress measurements were observed following an average 5.79 index UV Index.

The lowest quartile of Distress measurements were observed following an average 6.34 index of UV Index.

After an onset delay of 0 seconds, Distress is typically 13% lower than average over the 24 hours following around 6.34 index of UV Index UV Index.

Keywords: UV Index, Distress, N-of-1 trials, real-world evidence, causal inference, observational study

Moderate Confidence: Based on 14 participants. More data would increase certainty.

Results

Primary Findings

Analysis of 303 paired observations from 14 participants revealed a moderate improvement in Distress following above-average UV Index exposure.

+21.3%
Change from Baseline
Moderate effect on Distress
0.02
Predictor Impact Score
Insufficient evidence for causal relationship

Supporting Statistics

Medium
Confidence
-0.026
Correlation (r)
p = 0.183
Significance
z = 1.05
Effect Magnitude
φ = 1.00
Temporality

What This Means

When participants had above-average UV Index:

  • Distress increased by 21.3% on average
  • Temporal analysis supports UV Index as the predictor (not the outcome)

Interpreting the Predictor Impact Score

The Predictor Impact Score (PIS) integrates multiple Bradford Hill causal criteria into a single metric. Use this guide to interpret the score:

PIS Range Interpretation Recommended Action
≥ 0.5 Strong evidence High priority for RCT validation
0.3 - 0.5 Moderate evidence Consider for experimental investigation
0.1 - 0.3 Weak evidence Monitor for additional data
< 0.1 Insufficient evidence Low priority; may be noise

Note: PIS is a prioritization heuristic, not proof of causation. High scores indicate relationships worth investigating, not confirmed causal effects. With only 14 participants, these scores are preliminary and will become more reliable as additional data is collected.

Optimal Daily Values

No clear dose-response relationship detected. The UV Index values associated with high and low Distress are too similar to provide meaningful dosing guidance. This may indicate a threshold effect (any amount works equally well), no effect, or insufficient data variance. With more participants, a clearer pattern may emerge.

Population Correlation

UV Index Distribution

Distress Distribution

Statistical Summary

Relationship Statistics

Property Value
Cause Variable Name UV Index
Effect Variable Name Distress
Sinn Predictive Coefficient 0.019287117235861
Confidence Level MEDIUM
Confidence Interval 1.0037075947349
Forward Pearson Predictive Coefficient -0.0256
Critical T Value 1.8462142857143
Average UV Index Over Previous 24 hours Before ABOVE Average Distress 5.79 index
Average UV Index Over Previous 24 hours Before BELOW Average Distress 6.34 index
Duration of Action 24 hours
Effect Size very weakly negative
Number of Paired Measurements 303
Optimal Pearson Product 0.37891807569167
P Value 0.18787947896201
Statistical Significance 0.1833
Strength of Relationship 1.0037075947349
Study Type population
Analysis Performed At 2026-01-04
Number of Participants 14

UV Index Info

Property Value
Variable Name UV Index
Aggregation Method MEAN
Analysis Performed At 2022-08-10
Duration of Action 24 hours
Kurtosis 1.822010060732
Mean 5.9878842271663 index
Median 5.9006088992974 index
Minimum Allowed Value 0 index
Number of Aggregate Predictors 32
Number of Aggregate Outcomes 563
Number of Measurements 2808
Number of Measurements (including those generated by tagged, joined, or child variables) 2808
Public true
Onset Delay 0 seconds
Standard Deviation 2.4107553795229
Unit Index
User Variables 1004
UPC 0
Variable Category Environment
Variable ID 5974181
Variance 6.7284308269145

Distress Info

Property Value
Variable Name Distress
Aggregation Method MEAN
Analysis Performed At 2020-09-17
Duration of Action 24 hours
Kurtosis 2.8522483497534
Maximum Allowed Value 5 out of 5
Mean 2.4777342286981 out of 5
Median 2.4229733332357 out of 5
Minimum Allowed Value 1 out of 5
Number of Aggregate Predictors 1209
Number of Aggregate Outcomes 140
Number of Measurements 33096
Number of Measurements (including those generated by tagged, joined, or child variables) 32968
Public true
Onset Delay 0 seconds
Standard Deviation 0.53719668856315
Unit 1 to 5 Rating
User Variables 1486
UPC 647297398818
Variable Category Emotions
Variable ID 1305
Variance 0.6312526863217

Introduction

Background

UV Index (Environment) and Distress (Emotions) are both important factors in understanding human health and well-being. This study investigates the relationship between these two variables using real-world observational data.

Traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the gold standard for causal inference, are often impractical, expensive, or unethical for studying many health relationships. Aggregated N-of-1 observational studies offer a complementary approach that leverages within-subject comparisons across large populations to identify meaningful patterns.

Research Question

Does UV Index affect Distress?

Additionally, we seek to determine:

  1. What is the direction and magnitude of any effect?
  2. How confident can we be in this relationship based on the available data?
  3. What are the optimal levels of UV Index for maximizing Distress?

Study Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the nature of the relationship (if any) between UV Index and Distress. Additionally, we attempt to determine the UV Index values most likely to produce optimal Distress values.

Study Overview

This is a population-level observational study using aggregated N-of-1 methodology. By aggregating individual N-of-1 experiments, we can identify population-level patterns while accounting for the substantial individual variation that exists in most health relationships. Effect sizes are reported as percent change from baseline, enabling intuitive interpretation and comparison across different measures.

Full Methodology: Framework for Real-World Evidence-Based Pharmacovigilance: Aggregated N-of-1 Trials for Quantifying Treatment Effects

Discussion

Interpretation of Findings

Participants experienced a 21.3% improvement in Distress following above-average UV Index exposure. The Predictor Impact Score (PIS) of 0.02 indicates insufficient evidence for a causal relationship.

Statistical Significance

Using a two-tailed t-test with alpha = 0.05, it was determined that the change in Distress is not statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval. This suggests that the UV Index value may not have a significant influence on the Distress value, or that more data is needed to detect an effect.

After treatment, a 1% decrease (0.218 out of 5) from the mean baseline 2.24 out of 5 was observed. The relative standard deviation at baseline was 36.9286%. The observed change was 1.0495 times the standard deviation.

A common rule of thumb considers a change greater than twice the baseline standard deviation on two separate pre-post experiments may be considered significant. This occurrence would have only a 5% likelihood of resulting from random fluctuation (a p-value < 0.05).

T-Test Details
Observed t-value: 1.452
Critical t-value: 1.846

Since t = 1.45 < 1.85, we cannot reject the null hypothesis.

Biological Plausibility

A plausible bio-chemical mechanism between predictor and outcome is critical for interpreting observational findings. This is where human judgment excels beyond statistical analysis.

Community feedback on the biological plausibility of this relationship is still being collected. Consider the known mechanisms by which UV Index might influence Distress.

Bradford Hill Criteria Assessment

The Bradford Hill criteria provide a framework for assessing causality in observational studies. Our methodology operationalizes six of the nine criteria through the Predictor Impact Score (PIS):

Criterion How Addressed Metric
Strength Effect size magnitude Percent change from baseline (Δ%), z-score
Consistency Cross-participant replication Number of users (N), number of pairs (n)
Temporality Predictor precedes outcome Temporality factor (φ), onset delay (δ > 0)
Biological Gradient Dose-response relationship Gradient coefficient (φgradient)
Plausibility Biological mechanism assessment Community votes on mechanism plausibility
Specificity Category appropriateness Interest factor (finterest)

Predictor Impact Score (PIS)

The PIS integrates multiple Bradford Hill criteria into a composite metric quantifying how reliably a predictor affects an outcome. Higher scores indicate stronger evidence:

Population-Level PIS:

$$\text{PIS}_{\text{agg}} = |r_{\text{forward}}| \cdot w \cdot \phi_{\text{users}} \cdot \phi_{\text{pairs}} \cdot \phi_{\text{change}} \cdot \phi_{\text{gradient}}$$

Where φ-factors are saturation functions approaching 1 as evidence accumulates:

  • φusers = 1 - e-N/10 (user saturation)
  • φpairs = 1 - e-n/nsig (pair saturation)
  • φchange = 1 - e-Δspread/Δsig (effect spread saturation)
  • w = weighted average of plausibility votes

Temporality Assessment

We assess evidence for correct causal direction using the temporality factor:

$$\phi_{\text{temporal}} = \frac{|r_{\text{forward}}|}{|r_{\text{forward}}| + |r_{\text{reverse}}|}$$

Values approaching 1 indicate the predictor precedes the outcome (supporting causation); values near 0.5 suggest ambiguous directionality; values near 0 suggest reverse causation or confounding by indication.

Limitations

As with any observational study, correlation does not prove causation. Key limitations include:

  • Unmeasured confounders: Variables not tracked may influence results
  • Self-selection bias: Health trackers may differ from the general population
  • Measurement error: Self-reported data may contain recall bias
  • Confounding by indication: Sicker individuals may use more treatments

However, within-subject comparison and temporal precedence analysis partially mitigate these limitations. If the relationship is merely coincidental, as participants independently modify their UV Index values, the observed strength will decline over time. Spurious correlations naturally dissipate as more data is collected.

Future Directions

Future research should examine:

  • Subgroup analyses to identify individual differences in response
  • Potential confounders and mediators of the observed relationship
  • Optimal dosing and timing for UV Index
  • Confirmation through prospective or randomized designs
  • Biological mechanisms underlying the observed effects

Conclusion

📊 Preliminary Findings: With 14 participants, these results are based on limited data. Effect sizes and confidence will improve as more participants contribute data. Consider these findings directional rather than definitive.

Above-average UV Index was associated with a 21.3% improvement in Distress—a moderate effect. The Predictor Impact Score of 0.02 indicates this relationship is requiring additional data before conclusions.

Bottom Line: Based on a PIS of 0.02 and a 21.3% effect size, this relationship currently lacks sufficient evidence. Continue monitoring as more data becomes available. Note: These conclusions may strengthen or change direction as more data is collected.

These findings contribute to our understanding of how UV Index may influence Distress in real-world conditions. While preliminary, these results may inform future research directions. As more participants contribute data, the reliability and precision of these findings will improve substantially.

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Methods

Study Design

This study is based on data donated by 14 participants. Thus, the study design is equivalent to the aggregation of 14 separate n=1 observational natural experiments.

This within-subject design is powerful because it controls for all stable individual characteristics (genetics, baseline health status, socioeconomic factors) that might otherwise confound the relationship between variables.

Data Analysis

Temporal Assumptions

The analysis incorporates temporal assumptions about the relationship between variables:

  • Onset Delay: It was assumed that 0 seconds would pass before a change in UV Index would produce an observable change in Distress.
  • Duration of Action: It was assumed that UV Index could produce an observable change in Distress for as much as 24 hours after the stimulus event.

Statistical Methods

For each participant, we calculated the Pearson correlation coefficient between UV Index values and subsequent Distress values. Individual correlations were then aggregated using Fisher's z-transformation to produce a population-level estimate:

Individual Correlation:

$$r_i = \frac{\sum(x_{ij} - \bar{x}_i)(y_{ij} - \bar{y}_i)}{\sqrt{\sum(x_{ij} - \bar{x}_i)^2 \sum(y_{ij} - \bar{y}_i)^2}}$$

Fisher's Z-Transformation:

$$z_i = \frac{1}{2} \ln\left(\frac{1 + r_i}{1 - r_i}\right)$$

Aggregated Correlation:

$$\bar{r} = \tanh(\bar{z}) \quad \text{where} \quad \bar{z} = \frac{1}{N}\sum_{i=1}^{N} z_i$$

Effect Size Calculation

Effect sizes are reported as percent change from baseline. For each participant, we compare the outcome following above-average predictor values to the overall baseline outcome:

$$\Delta\%_{\text{baseline}} = \frac{\bar{O}_{\text{follow-up}} - \bar{O}_{\text{baseline}}}{\bar{O}_{\text{baseline}}} \times 100$$

Effect Magnitude (Z-Score)

To assess effect magnitude relative to natural variability, we calculate the z-score:

$$z = \frac{|\Delta\%_{\text{baseline}}|}{\text{RSD}_{\text{baseline}}}$$

where RSDbaseline is the relative standard deviation of outcome during baseline period

A z-score > 2 indicates statistical significance (p < 0.05), meaning the observed change exceeds typical baseline fluctuation and is unlikely due to random variation.

Statistical Significance

Correlation significance is assessed using a two-tailed t-test:

$$t = \frac{r\sqrt{n-2}}{\sqrt{1-r^2}}$$

We reject the null hypothesis (ρ = 0) at α = 0.05 when |t| exceeds the critical value, providing statistical evidence that the observed relationship is not due to chance.

Data Sources

UV Index data was primarily collected using Weather. Automatically import temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet light exposure.

Distress data was primarily collected using QuantiModo. QuantiModo allows you to easily track mood, symptoms, or any outcome you want to optimize in a fraction of a second. You can also import your data from over 30 other apps and devices. QuantiModo then analyzes your data to identify which hidden factors are most likely to be influencing your mood or symptoms.

Data Quality

Data quality measures were applied to ensure reliable results:

  • Minimum Data Requirement: Only participants with sufficient paired observations were included in the analysis.
  • Outlier Handling: Extreme values were winsorized to reduce the influence of measurement errors.
  • Missing Data: Days with missing values were handled using appropriate filling strategies based on the variable type.
  • Test User Exclusion: Test accounts and invalid users were excluded from all analyses.

Principal Investigator

Program & Methods

Mike P. Sinn
Sinn, M. P.

Designed and implemented data collection, aggregation, causal inference pipeline, and automated study generation framework. Developed the Predictor Impact Score methodology operationalizing Bradford Hill criteria for ranking causal relationships in observational data. When he tells people this at parties, they usually say they have to go check on their car.

Individual study outputs are automated, reproducible, and open to external audit. (Which I would seriously recommend.)

Contact

Cite This Study

APA Format
Sinn, M. P. (2026). Causal Analysis: Does UV Index Affect Distress?. The Journal of Citizen Science. https://studies.crowdsourcingcures.org/study/cause-5974181-effect-1305-population-study
BibTeX 
@misc{sinn_cause_5974181_effect_1305_population_study_2026,
  author = {Sinn, Mike P.},
  title = {Causal Analysis: Does UV Index Affect Distress?},
  year = {2026},
  publisher = {The Journal of Citizen Science},
  url = {https://studies.crowdsourcingcures.org/study/cause-5974181-effect-1305-population-study},
  note = {Accessed: January 10, 2026}
}
Chicago/Turabian
Sinn, Mike P. "Causal Analysis: Does UV Index Affect Distress?." The Journal of Citizen Science. Accessed January 10, 2026. https://studies.crowdsourcingcures.org/study/cause-5974181-effect-1305-population-study.
Harvard
Sinn, M.P., 2026. Causal Analysis: Does UV Index Affect Distress?. [Aggregated N-of-1 Study] The Journal of Citizen Science. Available at: https://studies.crowdsourcingcures.org/study/cause-5974181-effect-1305-population-study [Accessed January 10, 2026].

Study Type: Aggregated N-of-1 Observational Mega-Study
Evidence Level: Level II (Real-World Evidence)
Methodology: Bradford Hill Criteria with Predictor Impact Score (PIS)

References

This framework was originally developed in 2013 based on the Bradford Hill criteria. Subsequent literature has independently validated similar approaches to causal inference from observational data:

  1. Hill, A.B. (1965). The environment and disease: association or causation? Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine, 58(5), 295-300. [Bradford Hill criteria]
  2. Lillie, E.O., et al. (2011). The n-of-1 clinical trial: the ultimate strategy for individualizing medicine? Personalized Medicine, 8(2), 161-173. [N-of-1 methodology]
  3. Pearl, J. (2009). Causality: Models, Reasoning, and Inference . Cambridge University Press. [Causal inference]
  4. Hernán, M.A., & Robins, J.M. (2020). Causal Inference: What If . Chapman & Hall/CRC. [Free textbook]
  5. FDA (2018). Framework for FDA's Real-World Evidence Program . U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [Regulatory context]
  6. Duan, N., et al. (2013). Single-patient (n-of-1) trials: a pragmatic clinical decision methodology . Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 66(8), S21-S28.
  7. Platt, R., et al. (2018). The FDA Sentinel Initiative—an evolving national resource . New England Journal of Medicine, 379(22), 2091-2093.

This information is for research and educational purposes only, not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making health decisions. Terms of Service

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