The Sun Solutions Intervention for Operating Engineers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Because Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators) are outdoor workers at risk for skin cancer, interventions are needed to promote sun safety. The objectives were to determine changes in sunscreen use and sunburning among Operating Engineers randomized to four conditions in the Sun Solutions study: (i) education only; (ii) education and text message reminders; (ii) education and mailed sunscreen; and (iv) education, text message reminders, and mailed sunscreen. In this randomized controlled trial, Operating Engineers ( = 357) were recruited at required safety training sessions throughout Michigan during winter/spring of 2012 to 2013 and provided baseline surveys. The four interventions were delivered over the summer. Postintervention surveys were collected in the fall (82.1% follow-up). Sunscreen use improved significantly from baseline to follow-up in all four conditions ( < 0.05), except sunscreen use among those receiving education and text message reminders was only marginally significant ( = 0.07). There were significantly greater increases in sunscreen use in the two conditions that were mailed sunscreen ( < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the number of reported sunburns from baseline to follow-up in all four conditions ( < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in sunburns among the groups. Participant evaluated the interventions highly with those who received mailed sunscreen rating the intervention the highest. Providing proper sun-safety education and minimizing barriers to sunscreen use can increase sunscreen use and decrease reported sunburns. The implementation of the Sun Solutions intervention may be an effective method to modify skin cancer-related behaviors. .

Primary prevention of keratinocyte carcinoma among outdoor workers, the general population and medical professionals: a systematic review updated for 2019

“…Seven studies assessed the acceptability and satisfaction with education programmes and found that the majority of participants rated them positively (also see Table ).…”

“…Four studies assessed sun‐related attitudes, of which three found significant differences in the sun risk attitude and perceived sun damage susceptibility . Sixteen studies found a significant protective behavioural changes and two studies reported significant changes in the intention to change sun protection behaviour …”

“…Four of the nine studies assessing the effect on appearance of sunburns reported a significant change in sunburn incidences …”

“…A powerful tool could be smart phones, which through the use of text messages and Apps could be useful methods for teaching individuals sun‐related knowledge in order to change attitudes and behaviours. Messaging could be individually tailored, which could be beneficial in the sense that they are more effective for health behaviour changes compared to standard messages .…”

“…[77][78][79][80] Four studies assessed sun-related attitudes, of which three found significant differences in the sun risk attitude and perceived sun damage susceptibility. [81][82][83] Sixteen studies found a significant protective behavioural changes [20][21][22][79][80][81][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92] and two studies reported significant changes in the intention to change sun protection behaviour. 82,93 Four of the nine studies assessing the effect on appearance of sunburns reported a significant change in sunburn incidences.…”