Catechin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Melanoma ; prevention & control ; Nitric Oxide ; physiology ; Skin Neoplasms ; prevention & control ; Sunburn ; prevention & control ; Tea ; Ultraviolet Rays

BACKGROUND: To prevent occupational skin cancer, it is essential that the sun-protective behavior of outdoor workers is adequate. The aim is to study the sun-protective behavior of Danish outdoor workers at work, at leisure, and on sun holiday and compare it to that of indoor workers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, based on a 53-item survey completed by Danish outdoor (n = 380) and indoor workers (n = 119) in 2016-2017. Status as outdoor or indoor worker was decided based on self-report and behavioral differences were tested using (paired) t tests and multiple regression adjusted for age, sex, educational level, history of smoking, and skin type. RESULTS: Danish outdoor workers at work use sun protection less than they do at leisure and on sun holiday (α < .05) where their sun protection behavior is similar to that of indoor workers. The proportion of Danish outdoor workers that always/often use sun protection at work is for shade seeking around noon 4.2%, sunscreen 34.5%, wide-brimmed hat 25.3%, and long trousers and shirt with sleeves 42.4%. Of Danish outdoor workers, 49.5% do not think about the risk of occupational skin cancer and 11.8% think the risk is insignificant, 32.4% think that the use of sun protection is of low or no importance, 84.2% consider sunburn important as skin cancer risk factor still 88.9% have a history of sunburn at work, > 80.0% agree that risk of skin cancer is reduced by the use of sun protection, and only 4.0% dismiss the possibility of sun protection use at work. CONCLUSIONS Skin cancer risk and use of sun protection at work are largely neglected in Danish outdoor workers, more so than at leisure and on sun holiday where their risk behavior resembles that of indoor workers. This indicates an untapped workplace preventive potential.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Denmark ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Diseases ; prevention & control ; Occupational Exposure ; prevention & control ; statistics & numerical data ; Occupational Health ; statistics & numerical data ; Risk Reduction Behavior ; Skin Neoplasms ; prevention & control ; Sunburn ; prevention & control ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Workplace ; classification ; psychology ; statistics & numerical data

OBJECTIVES: Unprotected leisure time exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial tanning beds is the most important environmental risk factor for melanoma, a malignant skin cancer with increasing incidences over the past decades. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of skin health information provided by several sources and different publishing issues on knowledge, risk perception, and sun protective behavior of sunbathers. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among Austrian residents (n=563) spending leisure time outdoors in August 2010. RESULTS: Print media, television, and family were perceived as the most relevant sources of information on skin health, whereas the source physician was only ranked as fourth important source. Compared to other sources, information provided by doctors positively influenced participants' knowledge on skin risk and sun protective behavior resulting in higher scores in the knowledge test (p=0.009), higher risk perception (p<0.001), and more sun protection (p<0.001). Regarding gender differences, internet was more often used by males as health information source, whereas females were more familiar with printed information material in general. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey put emphasis on the demand for information provided by medical professionals in order to attain effective, long-lasting promotion of photoprotective habits.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Health Behavior ; *Health Education ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Male ; Melanoma/*prevention & control ; Middle Aged ; Public Health ; Questionnaires ; Risk Factors ; Skin Neoplasms/*prevention & control ; Sunburn/prevention & control ; Sunscreening Agents/therapeutic use ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Young Adult