Sun Protection Use at Work and Leisure by Outdoor Workers in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence and determinants of sun protection behaviours among outdoors workers at work and leisure in Alberta, Canada. Methods: We collected outdoor workers’ demographics, skin cancer risk factors, job information, and sun habits at work and leisure using self-completed questionnaires. For both settings, we compared use of specific behaviours and modelled determinants of sun protection behaviour scores. Results: At work, wearing a sleeved shirt (81% often/always) and hat (73%) were most prevalent, while seeking shade (12%) and applying sunscreen (36%) were least prevalent. Workers had higher sun protection scores at work than leisure. Hours spent outdoors was a strong determinant for both models. Additional leisure model predictors were eye colour, sex, skin type, and job group. Conclusions: Differences in behaviours across settings were observed and should be considered when developing solar UVR exposure reduction initiatives.