Predictive factors of sun protection behaviour among global airline pilots

Airline pilots face significant ultraviolet radiation exposure resulting in an increased risk of sun damage and skin cancers. We aimed to evaluate sun-protective practices and associated factors among airline pilots.

We disseminated an online questionnaire evaluating the use of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and protective clothing during daytime hours in the cockpit and during outdoor activities to 346 global commercial airline pilots, and we received 220 completed responses. The Pearson chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test where necessary were used to determine possible factors associated with the use of sun-protective practices. Potential confounders were adjusted for using multivariate analyses.

The most common sun protective behaviour was the wearing of sunglasses during daytime flights (89.5%), followed by the use of caps during outdoor activities (47.7%). More pilots applied sunscreen during daytime flights (14.1%) compared with walk-arounds (8.2%). Males were less likely to use sunscreen during flights (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.76), use sunscreen for walk-arounds (aOR = 0.175) and wear long sleeves (aOR = 0.013). Pilots who flew less than 30 h a month in high latitude regions were less likely to use a cap or hat outdoors (aOR = 0.419) or use sunscreen during walk-arounds (aOR = 0.241). Younger pilots were also less likely to use caps or hats outdoors (aOR = 0.446).

Male pilots and those who spent less time in high latitudes were less likely to practice sun protection. Targeted educational efforts may be implemented to reduce occupational ultraviolet exposure.