‘Try to make good hay in the shade – it won't work!’ A qualitative interview study on the perspectives of Bavarian farmers regarding primary prevention of skin cancer

Abstract

Summary Background Extensive exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main risk factor for keratinocyte carcinoma (KC), making outdoor workers, including farmers, a high‐risk population for KC. The use of sun protection is crucial for KC prevention but is not typically implemented by outdoor workers during their daily tasks. Objectives To explore the attitudes of Bavarian farmers regarding sun‐protective measures in their daily work and to understand perceived barriers and unmet needs. Methods Farmers were recruited through the Bavarian Farmers Association in Bavaria, Southern Germany. Qualitative semi structured interviews were conducted with participants between December 2017 and March 2018. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Twenty farmers (11 women, nine men; nine aged 18–30 years, 11 aged > 60 years) participated. Knowledge and awareness of UVR exposure and KC, perceived individual barriers to implementing sun‐protective measures, individual experiences and farm life‐specific circumstances emerged as key areas influencing the perspectives of farmers regarding the primary prevention of KC. Female farmers tended to take a more positive stance on sun protection, whereas male farmers showed a lower overall interest. Conclusions Knowledge and awareness of KC and UVR exposure is very limited in Bavarian farmers with serious perceived barriers due to the demands of daily agricultural work. Further qualitative studies are needed to identify intervention options that can increase skin cancer awareness and that can successfully overcome real barriers to implementing sun protection.

Take 10: ten qualitative studies on under‐researched groups and hard‐to‐reach issues in dermatology

“…Authors responded to our challenge with a wider range of submissions and almost double the number submitted last time, showing the growing interest in qualitative research in this field. Our second spotlight for summer 2019 showcases 10 studies, comprising a complementary mix of six original articles and four research letters . These papers involve interdisciplinary authorship teams from dermatology, psychology, general practice, nursing, public health and applied health services research in Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S.A.…”

“…The perspectives of Bavarian farmers on keratinocyte carcinoma prevention were gathered by Zink et al . through in‐depth interviews analysed with qualitative content analysis.…”

“…The first three papers, 5,6,11 offer vivid insights into the experiences of under-researched groups. Gilhooley and colleagues 5 examined experiences of skin disease and relationships with healthcare providers among Irish Traveller women.…”

Working in the dirt and heat: Bavarian farmers’ insights into barriers to implementing sun protection related to the demands of their agricultural work

“…Therefore, in this issue of the BJD , Zink et al . report findings from a qualitative study exploring the attitudes of Bavarian farmers towards sun protection, perceived barriers and unmet needs . Qualitative research allows researchers to get ‘under the skin’ to access and make sense of people's beliefs and behaviours and understand their lived experience .…”

“…Zink et al . interviewed 20 Bavarian farmers and applied qualitative content analysis to the textual data . Five key themes emerged.…”