Occupational exposure: rural Australian farmers’ sun-protective behaviours

Woods, Cindy; O’Shea, Eilish; Barrett, Fiona; Bookallil, Luke; East, Leah; Usher, Kim

doi:10.1007/s10389-019-01089-x

Cited by 4 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…One Victorian study on sun safety beliefs and practices of Australian farmers reported that while 73% of farmers believed they were at risk of developing skin cancer, only 35% wore a wide brim hat, 27% wore long sleeved shirts, 48% never wore sunscreen on all exposed skin and 59% did not have sunscreen available when working outdoors; 75% of farmers, however, wore long trousers [ 21 ]. Similar findings were reported in a study conducted in the New England region of NSW, where the most frequently reported sun-protective behaviours were wearing a shirt with a collar (44.8%) followed by wearing a wide brimmed hat (33.9%) and using sunscreen was reported in just 11% of the population [ 19 ]. Neither of these studies explored sun safety knowledge levels in farmers.…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…This is an important research gap that needs to be filled given the predicted future impacts of ozone depletion and climate change on the outdoor work environment [ 14 ]. Most of the current research has involved small sample sizes and/or been performed on single communities or at single events [ 15 – 19 ]. A study of American farmers reported that hats with wide brims or back flaps, shirts with long-sleeves or collars, sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of ≥15 or sunglasses were used 50% or less of the time [ 15 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These results were consistent with a review of the literature on sun safety in farmers conducted by Kearney et al [ 17 ] and an Italian study conducted with outdoor workers [ 18 ]. Evidence showed that females were more likely than males to practice sun protection behaviours including wearing wide brim hats, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts, using sunscreen and seeking shade [ 17 , 19 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sun safety knowledge, practices and attitudes in rural Australian farmers: a cross-sectional study in Western New South Wales

et al. 2021

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Background Rates of skin cancer in Australia are amongst the highest in the world, with Western New South Wales (NSW) exhibiting very high prevalence. There is a large proportion of outdoor workers, including farmers, in Western NSW who have high levels of sun exposure and hence are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Aims To characterise the current sun safety practices of farmers in Western NSW and explore their knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers towards sun safety and its implementation. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a self-directed questionnaire. Participants were recruited at field days held in Western NSW and through surveys distributed at general practices, local stores and online. Eligibility criteria were aged 18 years and over and currently working on a farm in the study region. Results Of the 144 participants, 89 (61.8%) were male with a mean age of 49 years. Knowledge of sun safety was relatively high with most questions answered correctly by greater than 80% of participants. Risk of developing skin cancer was underestimated in 58 (40.3%) participants. Of all participants, 89 (62.2%) identified one or more barriers to practicing sun safety. The most common barrier was forgetfulness in 62 (43.4%) participants. The identification of barriers was significantly associated with reduced engagement of sun safety practices (p = 0.009). Conclusions Knowledge of sun safety among farmers was high. There was, however, underestimation of risk of developing skin cancer. Addressing perceived barriers to implementing sun safety could improve sun safety practices in this cohort.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sun safety knowledge, practices and attitudes in rural Australian farmers: a cross-sectional study in Western New South Wales

et al. 2021

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“…[12][13][14][15] Because of the heterogeneity among outdoor groups, differences in risk factors such as occupational sun exposure and related sun protective behaviours among various outdoor professions must be considered when examining the KC burden. [15][16][17] There is broad evidence indicating that the KC burden can be lowered by behavioural changes such as adequate sun protection measures. 4,16,[18][19][20] On an individual level, it has been reported that some outdoor workers are unaware of their personal risk and do not sufficiently protect themselves.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Due to their occupational exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), outdoor workers are at a generally elevated risk for skin cancer; therefore, multiple AK and SCC cases have been established as occupational diseases in Germany since 2015 12–15 . Because of the heterogeneity among outdoor groups, differences in risk factors such as occupational sun exposure and related sun protective behaviours among various outdoor professions must be considered when examining the KC burden 15–17 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Skin cancer risk and shade: comparing the risk of foresters with other outdoor workers

Tizek

Schielein

Berger

et al. 2020

Acad Dermatol Venereol

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Background Keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) is an increasingly important public health problem with an especially high prevalence in outdoor workers. In contrast to other occupations, foresters spend most of their outdoor time under the shade of trees. Objectives We aimed to compare the unique sun exposure patterns and sun protection behaviour of foresters with those of other outdoor workers and their relation to the KC risk. Methods In July 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted at an international forestry fair using a questionnaire about health awareness and skin cancer screening by dermatologists to assess the prevalence of KC. Results A total of 591 participants (78.7% male; mean age 46.8 AE 16.2 years) including 193 foresters were enrolled. Of all foresters, 72% experienced sunburns (solar erythema) within the past year and 50% of them experienced the worst sunburn during work. Foresters were most likely to often/always wear protective clothes (29.0%) but were least likely to often/always avoid midday sun (23.8%) and stay in the shade (31.1%). Having an outdoor profession or spending hours outside for leisure was negatively associated with sun protection. Skin examination revealed an overall KC prevalence of 16.7%, with 16.5% of foresters being affected. Conclusion Despite being protected by trees, the risk of KC for foresters is comparable to that of other professional groups. Shade alone may not provide sufficient protection. Additional sun protection measures are necessary.

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‘Being a farmer, I mostly always think there is something more important to do’: A mixed methods analysis of the skin cancer detection practices of Australian farmers

Fletcher,

Trenerry,

Wilson

et al. 2023

Health Prom J of Aust

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Issue AddressedFarmers experience skin cancer and die from melanoma at significantly higher rates than the general Australian population. This study examined Australian farmers' engagement with self‐skin examinations (SSE), participation in clinical skin examinations (CSE) by a health professional, and self‐reported barriers to engagement with these important skin cancer detection practices.MethodsA cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods design was used. Australian farmers were recruited through an industry‐based organisation representing livestock farmers. Farmers (N = 498; 22–89 years; 83.1% male) responded to a paper‐based survey that included closed‐ and open‐ended questions.ResultsFarmers reported engagement with self‐conducted SSE and routine CSE that was comparable to findings in the general population, but 29.4% of farmers reported that they had not sought a CSE as soon as possible after noticing changes to their skin. Farmers reported a range of barriers to SSE, including physical difficulties examining their skin, difficulties identifying changes in their skin, forgetfulness, and lack of motivation. Barriers to CSE included accessibility, cost, difficulties finding the right doctor, and avoidance and complacency.ConclusionsThere is a need to make clinical skin cancer detection more accessible to farmers, in addition to promoting self‐skin examination and help‐seeking behaviours within this at risk population.So What?Novel approaches are needed to address systemic barriers faced by Australian farmers. These may include the use of teledermatology or artificial intelligence to assist with CSE. Remote training delivery methods may be also utilised to teach SSE skills to farmers who may be otherwise unable to access such opportunities.

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Occupational exposure: rural Australian farmers’ sun-protective behaviours

Cited by 4 publications

References 33 publications

Sun safety knowledge, practices and attitudes in rural Australian farmers: a cross-sectional study in Western New South Wales

Sun safety knowledge, practices and attitudes in rural Australian farmers: a cross-sectional study in Western New South Wales

Skin cancer risk and shade: comparing the risk of foresters with other outdoor workers

‘Being a farmer, I mostly always think there is something more important to do’: A mixed methods analysis of the skin cancer detection practices of Australian farmers

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