Queilite Actínica: Análise socioeconômica e do conhecimento de trabalhadores expostos ao sol

Abstract

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant oral disorder (PMOD) associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is more prevalent in light-skinned individuals and sun-exposed workers. The present study aimed to analyze and evaluate the socioeconomic context, habits, and knowledge of sun-exposed workers in their work activities regarding photoexposure and photoprotection. For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to workers in the categories of motorcycle taxi drivers, rural farmers, and beach workers, collecting sociodemographic data and information on photoprotection and photoexposure habits. The sample consisted of 90 volunteers, evenly distributed among the three groups, predominantly in the 4th and 6th decades of life, 91.1% of whom were male. Regarding education, 97.7% attended high school, either fully or incompletely, and the most reported monthly income (91.1%) was up to two minimum wages. Regarding skin color, most of the interviewees declared themselves white (48.8%), and the most common phototype, according to the Fitzpatrick scale, was phototype II. Approximately 57.8% reported not using sunscreen. Statistically significant correlations were found between work activities for the following variables: age group, phototype, self-declared skin color and non-use of lip balm, with results of p<0.05. Regarding the analysis of knowledge, it was possible to observe that QA is largely unknown. Thus, the present study is relevant in strengthening the population's knowledge about the importance of photoprotection.