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Impact of Sunscreen Availability on Sun-Protection Practices among Outdoor Workers in Nigeria

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an important occupational and public health concern among outdoor workers in Nigeria because individuals who work under direct sunlight may experience repeated and prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Outdoor workers such as construction workers, agricultural workers, traffic personnel, street vendors, delivery workers, security personnel, sanitation workers, and other occupations performed predominantly outdoors may have limited opportunities to avoid direct sunlight during working hours. Continuous UV exposure may increase the risk of sunburn, premature skin ageing, eye damage, and cumulative skin damage, including increased risk of certain skin cancers. Despite these risks, the use of sunscreen and other sun-protection measures may be limited by inadequate availability, cost, limited awareness, workplace practices, discomfort in hot conditions, and misconceptions about sunscreen use among individuals with darker skin. Improving access to appropriate sunscreen may provide an opportunity to strengthen occupational sun-protection practices among outdoor workers. Against this background, this study investigates the impact of sunscreen availability on sun-protection practices among outdoor workers in Nigeria. The study will be anchored on the Health Belief Model, Social Ecological Model, and Social Cognitive Theory. The Health Belief Model explains how outdoor workers' perceptions of susceptibility to UV-related health effects, perceived severity, perceived benefits of sunscreen and other protective measures, perceived barriers, and cues to action may influence sun-protection practices. The Social Ecological Model emphasizes the interaction between individual, workplace, community, environmental, and policy factors in shaping access to and utilization of occupational sun-protection measures. Social Cognitive Theory emphasizes self-efficacy, observational learning, workplace influence, reinforcement, and environmental conditions in developing and maintaining sun-protection behaviours. Collectively, these theoretical perspectives provide a suitable framework for explaining how sunscreen availability may influence sun-protection practices among outdoor workers in Nigeria. The study will adopt a quantitative quasi-experimental or analytical cross-sectional research design. The study population will comprise outdoor workers aged 18 years and above employed in selected urban, semi-urban, and rural communities across Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique will be used to select geopolitical zones, states, local government areas, communities, workplaces, occupational groups, and eligible outdoor workers. Sunscreen availability will be assessed using indicators such as physical availability of sunscreen at workplaces or occupational settings, consistency of supply, affordability, accessibility during working hours, availability of products with appropriate sun-protection factors, employer provision, ease of purchase, availability of sunscreen dispensers or distribution points where applicable, and workers' access to information on appropriate sunscreen use. Sun-protection practices will be assessed using indicators such as sunscreen application, appropriate reapplication, use of protective clothing, hats or caps, sunglasses or protective eyewear, use of shade where available, avoidance of unnecessary exposure during periods of intense sunlight, appropriate scheduling of outdoor activities where feasible, recognition of sunburn symptoms, and other occupational sun-protection behaviours. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires, workplace observation checklists, sunscreen availability assessments, occupational health records where available, and standardized sun-protection practice assessment tools. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize participants' characteristics, occupational exposure patterns, duration of outdoor work, availability and accessibility of sunscreen, sources of sun-health information, and sun-protection practices. Inferential statistical techniques, including chi-square tests, t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic or multiple regression analysis where appropriate, will be used to determine the impact of sunscreen availability on sun-protection practices. Where a quasi-experimental design is adopted, sun-protection practice scores before and after improved sunscreen availability may be compared with those of a comparison group to determine changes associated with the intervention. Diagnostic tests will also be conducted to assess the reliability, validity, and robustness of the findings. The study is expected to find that improved sunscreen availability has a significant positive impact on sun-protection practices among outdoor workers in Nigeria. Outdoor workers with regular access to affordable and appropriate sunscreen are expected to demonstrate stronger sun-protection practices than workers with limited or no access. Improved availability may reduce barriers associated with cost and accessibility and encourage more consistent sunscreen use as part of broader occupational sun-protection practices. Access to sunscreen may also increase workers' awareness of UV-related health risks and encourage complementary protective behaviours such as wearing protective clothing and hats, using sunglasses, seeking shade, and reducing unnecessary exposure where occupational conditions permit. However, sunscreen availability alone may not guarantee appropriate use because factors such as inadequate knowledge, discomfort in hot weather, sweating, irregular reapplication, workplace demands, cultural perceptions, product affordability, and lack of employer support may influence adherence. The study therefore expects improved sunscreen availability, combined with occupational sun-safety education, employer support, appropriate protective clothing, shaded work areas, and supportive workplace policies, to contribute significantly to improved sun-protection practices among outdoor workers in Nigeria. The study is expected to contribute to the literature on occupational sun exposure, sunscreen availability, sun-protection practices, ultraviolet radiation, occupational health, skin health, environmental health, workplace safety, skin cancer prevention, and public health in Nigeria. The findings will provide useful information to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, state ministries, employers, occupational health professionals, dermatologists, public health practitioners, environmental health officers, trade and workers' organizations, development partners, and policymakers regarding strategies for reducing occupational UV exposure. The study will also provide evidence-based recommendations for improving access to affordable sunscreen, integrating sunscreen provision into occupational health programmes, strengthening workplace sun-safety policies, providing shaded work environments, promoting protective clothing and eyewear, educating outdoor workers on appropriate sunscreen use, and developing comprehensive occupational sun-protection programmes across Nigeria.

Keywords: Sunscreen availability, sun-protection practices, outdoor workers, ultraviolet radiation, occupational sun exposure, occupational health, sunscreen use, skin cancer prevention, workplace safety, Nigeria, public health.