Determinants of Sunburn and Sun Protection of Agricultural Workers during Occupational and Recreational Activities

Claudine Backes*, Antoine Milon, Alice Koechlin, David Vernez, Jean Luc Bulliard

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify determinants of occupational sunburn in agricultural workers and assess their occupational and recreational sun protection habits. Methods: Specific surveys of agricultural workers in Switzerland and France were conducted (N=1538). Multivariate logistic regressions identified occupational sunburn determinants. Occupational and recreational sun protection habits were estimated and correlated. Results: One-year occupational and recreational sunburn prevalences were 19.8% and 11.5%, respectively. Occupational sunburn increased with having a recent recreational sunburn, highly sensitive skin, young age, high perceived skin cancer risk, using sunscreen, and not wearing a hat. Correlation between protection habits during work and leisure was substantial (r s 0.5 to 0.7). Skin health knowledge was high and pro-tanning attitude moderate. Conclusion: Potentially modifiable sunburn determinants and suboptimal recreational and occupational sun protection practices were identified in agricultural workers. Refining and tailoring sun protection messages targeting the agricultural sector are needed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1089-1094
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume59
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2017
Externally publishedYes

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