Prevalence and factors associated with exposure to sunlight and sunscreen among physical education teachers in Pelotas, southern Brazil

Abstract

BackgroundDecreasing the time of exposure to the sun and increasing sunscreen use are important actions to prevent skin cancer.ObjectiveThis study aimed to verify the prevalence of exposure to the sun and the use of sunscreen, as well as associated factors among physical education teachers of the basic education network from city of Pelotas, southern Brazil.MethodsA census type study was conducted with physical education teachers of the basic education network from Pelotas. This study assessed the time of exposure to the sun in the workplace for at least 20 min, between 10am and 4pm, and the use of sunscreen during the workday.Results188 teachers answered the questionnaire. The prevalence of exposure to the sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm was 89.2% (95% CI of 83.8% -93.3%), while sunscreen use was 63.3% (95% CI of 56.0% -70.2%). However, when the sample was stratified by sex, women reported a higher rate of sunscreen use (78.5% -95% CI of 72.2-84.3) than men (38.9% -95% CI of 31.8-46.2) (p<0.001). Teachers with longer work weeks were at greater risk of exposure to the sun. In addition, women, with normal weight and who worked less hours, were more likely to use sunscreen.Study limitationsCross-sectional study and lack of information on the proper use and frequency of use of sunscreen.ConclusionPhysical education teachers were highly exposed to solar radiation, and less than two-thirds used sunscreen during the workday. Interventions with this professional group are necessary to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Primary prevention of keratinocyte carcinoma among outdoor workers, the general population and medical professionals: a systematic review updated for 2019

“…Among several outdoor occupational groups, 9–86% of the workers applied sunscreen during work (Fig. ) . About one‐third of mountain guides from Germany used sunscreen with a SPF < 30, and only a small share of German outdoor workers checked the SPF of sunscreen before applying it …”

“…2). 9,16,[36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72] About one-third of mountain guides from Germany used sunscreen with a SPF < 30, 37,63 and only a small share of German outdoor workers checked the SPF of sunscreen before applying it. 9 Twenty-eight per cent to 86% of different medical professionals applied sunscreen during sun exposure.…”

Sunscreen Use among a Population of Saudi University Students

“…Sunscreen use prevalence in our study is similar to global rates. A study done in Brazil showed that 63% of the population use sunscreen [9]. In a study among primary and secondary school children in Switzerland, 69% of students used sunscreen [10].…”