Knowledge, practices and barriers to sun protection among farmers in Bagua Grande (Peru): a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Background: Farmers are at risk of excessive exposure to solar radiation. Knowledge and practices in photoprotection were evaluated and barriers to sun protection were explored among insured farmers in Bagua Grande. Materials and methods: A mixed methodology with a sequential explanatory design with quantitative dominance was used. A questionnaire in Spanish, “CHACES,” was administered to 203 farmers selected by simple random sampling, and seven people were interviewed in depth to achieve data saturation. The survey data were synthesized using Stata statistical software, and the interviews were analyzed thematically. Results: 83% of respondents had low knowledge of photoprotection. Farmers are exposed to the sun during midday hours (62%), do not use sunscreen (53%) or sunglasses (88%), although they do wear long sleeves and pants (42%). Significant differences in knowledge levels were found with age (p < 0.001), natural skin color (p < 0.001), and use of sunscreen (p = 0.002). The most common barriers were lack of information about sun protection measures, discomfort from wearing protective clothing, the high cost of sunscreen, and access to health services. Conclusion: Farmers’ knowledge of sun protection was low and practices were inadequate, and the barriers identified prevent the practice of sun protection. Therefore, interventions aimed at modifying behavior and practices in photoprotection according to the characteristics of the population are required, using behavioral measures and barrier methods to safeguard both their health and safety.