Low Use of Ocular Sun Protection among Agricultural Workers in South Africa: Need for Further Research

Although ocular diseases related to solar ultraviolet radiation exposure have a high prevalence in Africa, little is known about the occupational use of ocular photoprotective measures on the continent. In a survey of South Africa farmworkers on a farm in the Limpopo Province, we analyzed factors re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Photochemistry and photobiology Vol. 97; no. 2; pp. 453 - 455
Main Authors: Linde, Karlien, Wright, Caradee Yael, Kapwata, Thandi, du Plessis, Johannes Lodewykus
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2021
Subjects:
Agriculture
Eye diseases
Farms
Farmworkers
Occupational exposure
Outerwear
Radiation effects
Solar radiation
Sunglasses
Ultraviolet radiation
Workers
South Africa
ISSN:0031-8655, 1751-1097, 1751-1097
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Although ocular diseases related to solar ultraviolet radiation exposure have a high prevalence in Africa, little is known about the occupational use of ocular photoprotective measures on the continent. In a survey of South Africa farmworkers on a farm in the Limpopo Province, we analyzed factors related to ocular sun protection including use of different types of hats and sunglasses in relation to age, gender and duration of agricultural employment. Majority of participants (80%) never wore sunglasses while 23% never wore a hat when working. More male workers used measures to protect their eyes than female workers. The type of hat most worn was a cap although broad‐brimmed hats provide more effective photoprotection. The need for awareness campaigns that focus on the importance of using photoprotective measures in both an agricultural and South Africa contexts was identified. Many farmworkers spend most of their workday outside exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure of workers’ eyes to high levels of solar UVR may result in negative ocular health effects. This study investigated the use of ocular photoprotective measures such as sunglasses and hats by farmworkers on a farm in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Although more than 75% wore a hat while working, only 30% wore broad‐brimmed hats which provide a higher degree of photoprotection than hats with smaller brims such as caps. Sun protection awareness campaigns in agricultural settings are deemed important for development and implementation.
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ISSN:0031-8655
1751-1097
1751-1097
DOI:10.1111/php.13388