Sun protection in outdoor workers – Development and validation of standardized questionnaires for behavior and knowledge

• DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15378
• Publication Date: 2024-03-26T04:20:16Z
• Authors: Henriette Rönsch; Marc Rocholl; Michaela Ludewig; Andreas Staudt; Mathias Langner; Theresa Steeb; Annika Wilke; Swen Malte John; Carola Berking; Stefan Beissert; Andrea Bauer
• Keywords: Sunburn; Sun protection

Summary Background and objectives Outdoor workers are at increased risk of developing non‐melanoma skin cancer. We aimed to address the lack validated German‐language measurement instruments for outdoor workers’ sun safety behavior knowledge by compiling validating two questionnaires. Participants methods By expert consensus, items assessment protective (OccuSun) were compiled based on existing instruments. For knowledge, a translation Skin Cancer Sun Knowledge (SCSK) scale was selected. After pre‐test, validation study including 68 (62% female) conducted in 2020. Results The retest reliability r = 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.86–0.96) protection score s 0.78 (0.67–0.86) score. Protective behaviors correlated with respective diary data (0.38 ≤ 0.74, p < 0.001) pigmentation changes (–0.23 ≥ –0.42, 0.007 0.165) but not self‐reported sunburn frequency (0.21 –0.04). Conclusions Among German workers, questionnaires demonstrated good reliability. OccuSun had generally validity. Both fit subsequent determine their sensitivity change.