Knowledge, attitudes, and sun-safety practices among agricultural workers in the Autonomous Province of Trento, North-Eastern Italy (2016).

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine and evaluate sun safety knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among agricultural workers (AWs) in the Autonomous Province of Trento (North-Eastern Italy). A cross sectional study was performed among AWs who attended pesticide training courses (2016). Participants received a structured questionnaire focusing on KAP towards sun protective behaviors. Synthetic scores for knowledge (GKS), risk perception (RPS), behavioral adaptation and use of personal protective equipment (SPPS) were calculated. Regression analysis was modelled in order to assess GKS, RPS and individual factors as predictors of SPPS. The sample included 204 AWs (89.7% males, 10.3% females, mean age 43.9±15.9 years). Sun protective behaviors were irregularly referred by participants, in particular receiving medical skin assessment by a dermatologist (33.8%), avoiding sun radiations at noon and taking rest breaks in shady areas (30.9%), and wearing sunscreen (13.3%). GKS was correlated with RPS, and RPS was characterized as a significant predictor of SPPS (B=0.307; 95% CI 0.224-0.389, P<0.001), alongside increased seniority (B=4.957: 95% CI 3.064-6.851, P<0.001) and previous history of sunburns (B=5.829; 95% CI 1.520-10.139, P=0.008). Our findings indicate that AWs are not appropriately aware of the risks associated with occupational exposure to solar radiation, and eventually report inadequate skin cancer prevention practices. Since SPPS found significant predictors in individual factors, tailored interventions and training may contribute to fill knowledge gaps and raise the concerns of AWs towards occupational dermatological disorders.