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‘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
Author(s) -
Zink A.,
Schielein M.,
Wildner M.,
Rehfuess E.A.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.17872
Subject(s) - skin cancer , sun protection , environmental health , qualitative research , medicine , population , psychology , gerontology , cancer , sociology , social science
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.