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. 2012 Sep;55(9):786-92.
doi: 10.1002/ajim.22079. Epub 2012 Jun 12.

Factors associated with risky sun exposure behaviors among operating engineers

Sonia A Duffy  1 , Seung Hee Choi, Rachael Hollern, David L Ronis
Affiliations

Factors associated with risky sun exposure behaviors among operating engineers

Sonia A Duffy et al. Am J Ind Med. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with sun exposure behaviors among Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators).

Methods: Operating Engineers (N = 498) were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to determine health behavioral, perceptional, and demographic factors associated with sun exposure behavior (sun burns, blistering, use of sunscreen, and interest in sun protection services).

Results: Almost half reported two or more sunburns/summer and the median times blistering was 2 with a range of 0-100. About one-third never used sun block, while just over one-third rarely used sun block. Almost one-quarter were interested in sun protection guidance. Multivariate analyses showed that perceptions of skin type, alcohol problems, fruit intake, BMI, sleep quality, age, sex, and race were significantly associated with at least one of the outcome variables (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Operating Engineers are at high risk for skin cancer due to high rates of exposure to ultraviolet light and low rates of sun block use. Subgroups of Operating Engineers are particularly at risk for sun damage. Interventions are needed to decrease sun exposure among Operating Engineers.

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Conflict of interest statement

There is no conflict of interest.

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