The Effects of a Skin Cancer Educational Intervention on Beliefs, Knowledge and Behaviours of Outdoor Workers in the Tropics

Recent research has linked some forms of skin cancer with ultraviolet radiation from constant sun exposure. Outdoor workers represent an ‘at risk’ group as daily exposure to the sun’s harmful rays is a necessary part of their occupations. This study assessed changes in beliefs, knowledge and behaviours of outdoor workers in North Queensland towards skin cancer. A total of 40 outdoor workers participated in the study. A quasi-experimental repeated measures design with a treatment and control group was used. Subjects in the treatment group were exposed to an educational intervention explaining the danger of skin cancer and ways that the disease could be prevented. Results indicated that in comparison to the control group, subjects who received the educational intervention reported greater levels of sun protection behaviour, had increased knowledge about the disease and reported changes in their beliefs concerning skin cancer. Changes were assessed by using a sun safety questionnaire. Results of this research are of value to the Queensland Cancer Fund, Government Health Promotion Departments and numerous companies that employ outdoor workers in the tropics.