Factors associated with risky sun exposure behaviors among operating engineers.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with sun exposure behaviors among Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators).


METHODS
Operating Engineers (N = 498) were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to determine health behavioral, perceptional, and demographic factors associated with sun exposure behavior (sun burns, blistering, use of sunscreen, and interest in sun protection services).


RESULTS
Almost half reported two or more sunburns/summer and the median times blistering was 2 with a range of 0-100. About one-third never used sun block, while just over one-third rarely used sun block. Almost one-quarter were interested in sun protection guidance. Multivariate analyses showed that perceptions of skin type, alcohol problems, fruit intake, BMI, sleep quality, age, sex, and race were significantly associated with at least one of the outcome variables (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Operating Engineers are at high risk for skin cancer due to high rates of exposure to ultraviolet light and low rates of sun block use. Subgroups of Operating Engineers are particularly at risk for sun damage. Interventions are needed to decrease sun exposure among Operating Engineers.
University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. bump@umich.edu
Sonia A
SA
Duffy
Seung Hee
SH
Choi
Rachael
R
Hollern
David L
DL
Ronis
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D004738:Engineering; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
D013473:Sunscreening Agents