Occupation and factors associated with exposure to the sun among beach workers/Ocupacao e fatores associados a exposicao solar em trabalhadores de praias

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 19; no. 4; pp. 1171 - 1177
• Main Authors: de Souza Lucena, Eudes Euler, Costa, Danielle Clarisse Barbosa, Silveira, Ericka Janine Dantas da, Lima, Kenio Costa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva - ABRASCO 01-04-2014
• Subjects: Brasil
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232014194.00392013

Subjects were selected from five urban beaches to characterize the type of work conducted on urban beaches in the city of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and determine potential associated factors among workers exposed to the sun. Data collection was based on a validated questionnaire. Results were obtained for 362 workers. Individuals were predominantly male (72.6%) who worked under direct exposure to the sun (87.8%). Almost 95% had no more than 6years of schooling and 87.91% earned an average monthly income of $318.75 dollars or more. Photoprotection was reported by 80.1%, among which sunscreen and caps/hats were predominant. Around 25% smoked and more than half did not consume alcohol. Male gender, no more than 6 years of schooling, daily exposure for up to 6 hours and use of photoprotection were the factors associated with the outdoor work category.