Open AccessOutdoor Workers' Perceptions of the Risks of Excess Sun‐Exposure
Author(s) -
McCool Judith P.,
Reeder Anthony I.,
Robinson Elizabeth M.,
Petrie Keith J.,
Gorman Des F.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of occupational health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 1348-9585
DOI - 10.1539/joh.l9030
Subject(s) - skin cancer , environmental health , risk perception , psychological intervention , sun protection , medicine , sun exposure , perception , prioritization , population , psychology , nursing , cancer , business , dermatology , process management , neuroscience
Outdoor Workers' Perceptions of the Risks of Excess Sun‐Exposure: Judith P. M c C ool , et al . School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New ZealandObjectives To describe the pattern of associations with sunscreen use of sun protection attitudes and knowledge in a large sample of New Zealand outdoor workers. We also examined the relationship between perceived skin type and perceived risk of developing skin cancer. Methods Outdoor workers from nine occupational groups (n=1,131) completed a questionnaire, which included measures of skin cancer related risk perceptions, knowledge and sunscreen use. Results Sunscreen use was associated with perceived prioritization of sun‐protection, concern about sun‐exposure, knowledge about the effects of sun‐exposure and perceived supportive workplace culture. These variables accounted for 37% of the variation in sunscreen use. Maori, younger workers and forestry workers least likely to report sunscreen use and sun‐exposure risk perception. Conclusions Interventions that strengthen knowledge about risks and values of sun protection are likely to increase sun protection efforts. However, interventions for outdoor workers need to take into account potential socio‐demographic, personal and workplace influences are required to prevent the risk of developing non‐melanoma skin cancers within this population group.