“She’ll Be Right, Mate”: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Skin Cancer Prevention Practices among Australian Farmers—An At-Risk Group

Camilla Trenerry, Chloe Fletcher, Carlene Wilson and Kate Gunn
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Camilla Trenerry: School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Chloe Fletcher: Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Carlene Wilson: Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
Kate Gunn: Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-16

Abstract: This study examined Australian farmers’ engagement with skin cancer prevention behaviours and explored what made it hard for them to be ‘SunSmart’ (barriers), and what could be done to make prevention easier (facilitators). In total, 498 farmers (83.1% male, 22–89 years, 50.8% grain, sheep, or cattle farmers) participated. The least frequently performed SunSmart behaviours (reported as never practiced during summer) were using SPF 30+ sunscreen (16.6%), wearing protective sunglasses (10.5%), and wearing protective clothing (8.6%). Greater engagement (i.e., higher scores on scale from Never to Always) with SunSmart behaviours was explained by gender (female), educational attainment (trade or technical college certificate vs. high school), personal skin cancer history, and skin sun sensitivity. Barriers reported by farmers related to personal preferences (e.g., short-sleeved rather than long-sleeved clothing), comfort, and perceived impracticality of sun protection. Farmers’ solutions included making protective clothing and sunscreen more appropriate for farm work (e.g., by making clothing more breathable). A personal health scare was the most reported motivation for skin cancer prevention. Findings highlight the need for increased access to sun-protective clothing and sunscreen that is suitable for wearing when working on farms, complemented by culturally appropriate health education messaging, to encourage more farmers to perform SunSmart behaviours.

Keywords: farm; agriculture; skin cancer; rural health; occupational medicine; cancer prevention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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