Background: Due to the nature of working outdoors, many farmers experience high levels of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) whereby, increasing their risk for skin cancer. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate personal behavior and perception on sun protection among farmers attending a regional farm show in North Carolina.
Methods: Farmers (n = 397) were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding behavior and importance of using personal sun protection (i.e., sunblock, etc.,) when working outdoors.
Results: There were 285 (71.8%) male farmers and 79 (19.9%) female farmers with a mean age of 54 years. Overall, the majority of farmers recognized the importance of protecting themselves from the sun, however, actual personal behavior for using proper protection methods ranked low. Farmers with lighter, fairer skin tended to use more sun protection and ranked the importance of sun protection higher when compared to those with skin that was less likely to burn in the sun.
Conclusion: The importance of personal sun protection should continue to be stressed to farmers at every available opportunity including farm shows, trainings and through health care providers.