Determination of Skin Cancer Risk Levels, Risk Perceptions, and Knowledge and Behaviors of Agricultural Workers

Objective: This study was conducted to determine skin cancer risk perceptions, risk levels, and sun protection knowledge and behaviors of agricultural workers. Methods: The research was a descriptive type. It was made in Kumluca District, Antalya Province, between March and July 2015. The sample included 415 individuals working in agriculture. The data were collected by face-to-face interview method. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data. Results: At the end of the study, it was determined that 25.5% of agricultural workers were at high risk, but that 50.8% did not consider themselves at risk for skin cancer. The mean knowledge score of participants was 6.40 +/- 2.17, and the mean behavior score was 9.11 +/- 4.92. The variables that significantly affect both knowledge and behavior mean scores are as follows: secondary school and above education level, female gender, high risk perception, being under age of 30, and working for less than 10 years. A weak positive relationship was found between the participants' mean knowledge and behavior scores. Conclusion: Our study results showed that the skin cancer risk perception and sun protection knowledge and behaviors of agricultural workers were low. It was determined that individuals at young ages, with middle school education level and above, and working for less than 10 years had higher risk perception and knowledge and behavior scores. Within the scope of these results, it was recommended to organize training and screening programs for skin cancer and sun protection, especially for individuals with high risk levels and low knowledge, behavior, and risk perception levels.