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Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research
Author(s) -
Linde Karlien,
Wright Caradee Yael,
Kapwata Thandi,
du Plessis Johannes Lodewykus
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
photochemistry and photobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.818
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1751-1097
pISSN - 0031-8655
DOI - 10.1111/php.13388
Subject(s) - agriculture , environmental health , photoprotection , optometry , ultraviolet radiation , geography , medicine , socioeconomics , biology , sociology , chemistry , botany , archaeology , radiochemistry , photosynthesis
Although ocular diseases related to solar ultraviolet radiation exposure have a high prevalence in Africa, little is known about the occupational use of ocular photoprotective measures on the continent. In a survey of South Africa farmworkers on a farm in the Limpopo Province, we analyzed factors related to ocular sun protection including use of different types of hats and sunglasses in relation to age, gender and duration of agricultural employment. Majority of participants (80%) never wore sunglasses while 23% never wore a hat when working. More male workers used measures to protect their eyes than female workers. The type of hat most worn was a cap although broad‐brimmed hats provide more effective photoprotection. The need for awareness campaigns that focus on the importance of using photoprotective measures in both an agricultural and South Africa contexts was identified.