Categorização clínica da quelite actinica e análise do conhecimento da população exposta

Abstract

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a lesion characterized by chronic inflammation of the vermilion border of the lip, often related to exposure to radiation emitted by ultraviolet sunlight. Clinically, it is characterized by atrophy, fissures, ulcerations and loss of color of the vermilion border of the lip, and is considered a potentially malignant oral disorder. There are occupations considered at risk for the development of AC, with people who work outdoors such as farmers, fishermen, motorcycle taxi drivers and street vendors, who remain in prolonged exposure to sunlight for years, a risk group in which there is a greater probability of this condition occurring, especially in the lower lip. Despite its relevance, the level of knowledge about the etiology, prevention and clinical classification of AC is still limited. In addition, sociocultural factors that characterize high-risk occupations make it difficult to understand the importance and adoption of photoprotection measures. This study aimed to categorize AC into four clinical stages, in addition to evaluating the prevalence, sun exposure habits and the level of knowledge about prevention in exposed workers. The sample included 90 volunteers, 30 farmers, 30 beach workers and 30 motorcycle taxi drivers. A questionnaire was applied to assess the knowledge of workers exposed to solar radiation and risk factors for developing AK, which identified that 88.9% of the participants remain exposed to the sun for approximately six hours a day. However, only 38% of these use body sunscreens and only 10% use lip sunscreen. Regarding the level of knowledge, 98.9% had never heard of AK, 35% were unaware of the term “ultraviolet radiation” and mouth or lip cancer was unknown to 17.8% of the interviewees. Among the farmers, a higher prevalence of individuals between the 6th and 7th decades of life was observed, with 98% reporting no use of body and lip sunscreens. Among the motorcycle taxi drivers and beach workers, the participants were mostly between the 4th and 5th decades of life, with more frequent photoprotection habits compared to the farmers. The analysis of the association between professions and AQ levels revealed that advanced stages (Grades III and IV) presented a statistically significant association with the group of farmers (p=0.02). In the group of motorcycle taxi drivers, grade I was predominant (37.5%), while among beach workers, grade II stood out (40.7%). This study presents information for a better clinical diagnosis of AQ, contributing to the early diagnosis of cases with potential for malignant transformation. Furthermore, the alarming level of lack of knowledge among the population on the subject reinforces the importance of educational and preventive interventions to minimize risks and improve the quality of life of workers exposed to the sun.