Determination of knowledge and applications of workers working out in the open about skin cancer

Abstract

Aim: This research was performed in order to determine the knowledge and applications of workers working out in the open area about skin cancer and protection from skin cancer. Method: The universe of the research is composed of 200 workers working in the open area in Nicosia Turkish Municipality in Republic of Northern Cyprus. Sample selection was not made and whole universe was incorporated to the scope of the research. In the collection of the data, “individual descriptive properties questionnaire form” and “questionnaire form regarding protection from skin cancer and applications” were used. Number, and percentage distribution was used for the evaluation of the data. Results: In the research it was determined that 43.2% of the workers are at an age interval of 35-44 and 59.9% are graduated from primary school. 28.6% of the workers have light skin color, 21.9% of the workers have colored eyes, 19,3% of them have sunspot and 15.6% of them have increasing number, color and size of moles. It was understood that 50.6% of the workers are exposed to sunlight 8 hours a day (between 08:00 and 17:00). It was determined that 70.3% of the workers do not have any knowledge about skin cancer, 84.8% of them didn’t wear hat suitable and appropriate (long-thin, light-colored) clothes, 77.6% of them did not use defined the suitable sunglasses and 91.7% of them were not using sunscreen. Conclusion: According to research results, it was determined that application and information of the participants about skin cancer is inadequate. In light of these results, training programs about skin cancer and protection from skin cancer should be applied to the workers working out in the open area. © GATA.