Sun Protection Use at Work and Leisure by Outdoor Workers in Alberta, Canada.

Abstract

To assess the prevalence and determinants of sun protection behaviours among outdoors workers at work and leisure in Alberta, Canada. We collected outdoor workers' demographics, skin cancer risk factors, job information, and sun habits at work and leisure using self-completed questionnaires. For both settings, we compared use of specific behaviours and modelled determinants of sun protection behaviour scores. At work, wearing a sleeved shirt (81% often/always) and hat (73%) were most prevalent, while seeking shade (12%) and applying sunscreen (36%) were least prevalent. Workers had higher sun protection scores at work than leisure. Hours spent outdoors was a strong determinant for both models. Additional leisure model predictors were eye colour, sex, skin type, and job group. Differences in behaviours across settings were observed and should be considered when developing solar UVR exposure reduction initiatives.