title: Effects of training about skin cancer on farmers' knowledge level and attitudes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. As farmers stay under sun for a long time and handle many different chemicals, they are at risk. This study was carried out to examine the effects of training for protection on their knowledge level and attitudes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subjects were 194 farmers living in a village in Marmara region which most benefits from the sun in Turkey. No sampling was performed. Data were collected before and after six months of training through a personal description form and skin cancer attitude-knowledge form and analyzed using percentage calculations, McNeamer test and t-test in dependent groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Knowledge level of farmers on skin cancer and the protection from skin cancer was significantly increased after the training (p<0.01) regarding use of sun cream, umbrellas, swimming and traditional behavior (p<.01) but not use of hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts (p>0.01). A significant decrease was also determined in tampering with moles, acnes and scars (p<.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The training given to farmers for protection against skin cancer was found effective for improving knowledge levels and attitudes. Planned and regular education should decrease the skin cancer rate among farmers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey. arzutunam@gmail.com
authors.forename: Arzu Tuna
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Malak
authors.forename: Pinar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.forename: Zuleyha
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yildiz
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bektas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000383:Agriculture; D004493:Education / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014421:Turkey
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents