Sun protection knowledge and behaviors of agricultural workers in Turkey: a cross-sectional study

Background Agricultural workers are at risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged exposure to the sun during their daily work. This study was conducted to determine sun protection knowledge and behaviours of agricultural workers in Turkey. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted with 460 participants working in agriculture. The data were collected using a sociodemographic form, Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale and Sun Protection Behaviour Scale. The data were analysed using One Way ANOVA and Independent Samples t Test. Results Participants mean total score on the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale was 15.24 +/- 2.47 (max-min 0-25) and the mean total score on the Sun Protection Behaviour Scale was 24.10 +/- 4.46 (max-min 8-40). Statistically significant disparities were observed between the SCBS, SPBS and their sub-divisions along with the working period, age, marital status, gender, level of education, income status, skin type and agricultural working status of the participants (p < .05). Conclusion The study found that people working in the agriculture had inadequate sun protection behaviours and knowledge. Based on the study's results, it is proposed to create intervention programmes that specifically target single, male, middle-aged or older individuals with extended working hours and low levels of education and income.