The determination of skin cancer risk level, risk perception, knowledge and behaviours of agricultural workers

Objective: This study was conducted in order to determine skin cancer risk perceptions and risk levels of individuals who are agricultural laborers as well as their knowledge and behaviors for protection against sun. Method:This descriptive study was conducted in Kumluca District center of Antalya Province between March and July 2015. The sample method with unknown population was used and 415 agricultural laborers were included in the sample. The data were collected by using semi-structured questionnaire prepared according to relevant literature and expert opinions. In the evaluation of the data collected by using face-to-face interview method; descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis- H test, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used. Results:At the end of the study, it was determined that 25.5% of the individuals participating in the study were at high risk, but 49.2% of the individuals did not consider themselves under risk for skin cancer. Participants's knowledge mean score was 6.40±2.17 and behavior mean score was 4.92±9:11. High risk perception increased knowledge mean score as 1.306 points, being younger than 30 as 1.054 points, equal income-expense level as 0.666 points, female gender as 0.592, and high education level as 0.607 points. High risk perception increased behavior mean score as 2.774 points, high educational level as 1.898 points, and female gender as 1.303 points. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and behavior mean scores of the participants. Conclusion: It was determined that both risk perceptions and knowledge and behavioral levels were higherin those who were at young age, had secondary school and above education level, were single, had equal income-expense balance, and working for less than 10 years. Within the scope of these results, regulation of education and screening programs for skin cancer and protection against sun is recommended especially for individuals who had high risk level and low knowledge, behavior, and risk perception. Key words: Public health nursing, agricultural laborers, skin cancer, risk perception, sun protection knowledge and behavior.