She’ll Be Right, Mate”

A Mixed Methods Analysis of Skin Cancer Prevention Practices among Australian Farmers—An At-Risk Group

Bibliographic Data

ID15487707
AuthorsCamilla Trenerry (Flinders University), Chloe Fletcher (0000-0002-6705-7605, University of South Australia), Carlene Wilson (0000-0002-1883-4690, Flinders University), Kate M Gunn (0000-0003-0837-6814, Flinders University, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume19
Issue5
Pages2940-2940
Publication date2022-03-02
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph19052940
PMID35270633
OpenAlexW4214936828
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited45

This study examined Australian farmers' engagement with skin cancer prevention behaviours and explored what made it hard for them to be 'SunSmart' (barriers), and what could be done to make prevention easier (facilitators). In total, 498 farmers (83.1% male, 22-89 years, 50.8% grain, sheep, or cattle farmers) participated. The least frequently performed SunSmart behaviours (reported as never practiced during summer) were using SPF 30+ sunscreen (16.6%), wearing protective sunglasses (10.5%), and wearing protective clothing (8.6%). Greater engagement (i.e., higher scores on scale from Never to Always) with SunSmart behaviours was explained by gender (female), educational attainment (trade or technical college certificate vs. high school), personal skin cancer history, and skin sun sensitivity. Barriers reported by farmers related to personal preferences (e.g., short-sleeved rather than long-sleeved clothing), comfort, and perceived impracticality of sun protection. Farmers' solutions included making protective clothing and sunscreen more appropriate for farm work (e.g., by making clothing more breathable). A personal health scare was the most reported motivation for skin cancer prevention. Findings highlight the need for increased access to sun-protective clothing and sunscreen that is suitable for wearing when working on farms, complemented by culturally appropriate health education messaging, to encourage more farmers to perform SunSmart behaviours

Cancer · Cancer prevention · Certificate · Clothing · Environmental health · Geography · Personal protective equipment · Skin cancer · Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure · Medicine · Psychology · Skin Protection and Aging · Urban Green Space and Health

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