AUTHOR=Keurentjes Anne J. , Kezic Sanja , Rustemeyer Thomas , Hulshof Carel T. J. , van der Molen Henk F. 

TITLE=Stimulating Sunscreen Use Among Outdoor Construction Workers: A Pilot Study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.857553

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.857553

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Background</title><p>Outdoor workers (OW) receive a higher dose of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) compared to indoor workers (IW) which increases the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Regular sunscreen use reduces the NMSC risk, however, adequate sun-safety behavior among OW is poor. The main objective was to conduct method- and intervention-related elements of a future intervention trial among OW, based on providing sunscreen and assessing sunscreen use on group- and individual level.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>This pilot study was conducted at a construction site in the Netherlands from May-August 2021. Nine dispensers with sunscreen (SPF 50+) were installed at the worksite. OW (<italic>n</italic> = 67) were invited to complete two (cross-sectional) questionnaires on sun-safety behavior, before and after providing sunscreen. Stratum corneum (SC) samples for the assessment of UV-biomarkers were collected from the forehead and behind the ear from 15 OW and 15 IW. The feasibility of the following elements was investigated: recruitment, (loss to) follow-up, outcome measures, data collection, and acceptability of the intervention.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The first questionnaire was completed by 27 OW, the second by 17 OW. More than 75 percent of the OW were aware of the risks of sun exposure, and 63% (<italic>n</italic> = 17) found sunscreen use during worktime important. The proportion of OW never applying sunscreen in the past month was 44.4% (<italic>n</italic> = 12) before, and 35.3% (<italic>n</italic> = 6) after providing sunscreen. A majority of OW (59.3%, <italic>n</italic> = 16) found sunscreen provision encouraging for sunscreen use, the dispensers easy to use (64.7%, <italic>n</italic> = 17) and placed in practical spots (58.8%, <italic>n</italic> = 18). Collecting SC-samples was fast and easy, and several UV-biomarkers showed higher levels for sun-exposed compared to less exposed body parts. There was no significant difference in UV-biomarker levels between OW and IW.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions</title><p>This pilot study revealed low sunscreen use among OW despite providing sunscreen, overall satisfaction with the sunscreen, and the sufficient awareness of the risks of UVR-exposure. Collecting SC-samples at the workplace is feasible and several UV-biomarkers showed to be promising in assessing UVR-exposure. The low participation rate and high loss to follow-up poses a challenge for future intervention studies.</p></sec>