Sun awareness and sun protective behaviour of PE teachers in Malta

Abstract

The overall objectives of this study are (i) to identify the level of awareness of the occupational hazard posed by exposure to sunlight amongst PE teachers; (ii) to determine to what extent PE teachers are practising sun protective behaviour, and (iii) to explore best practices and suggest possible methods of minimising said hazards which can be implemented by employer/s for the benefit of employees. The study opens with a literature review to outline existing evidence-based information on the health risks of occupational exposure to sunlight with particular focus on the educational sector. It then goes on to report on and analyse the results of a survey that was conducted amongst a sample of the population of PE teachers in the Maltese islands to provide answers to the research questions above. The present study has brought to light the fact that there are certain lacunae in the knowledge of PE teachers with regard to skin cancer and exposure to solar radiation which need to be addressed. It would appear that sun protective behaviour is not actively embraced by a lot of PE teachers with the result that a substantial number of them are being daily exposed without any protection to high levels of solar radiation for fairly long periods of time. The study concludes by advocating the development of a specific health promotion programme, based on a behaviour adaptation model and tailored to the needs of PE teachers. Considerable improvement in the working conditions of PE teachers in terms of sun protection can also be achieved through the active involvement of employers.