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Date of Presentation

5-7-2026

Document Type

Poster

Department

Medicine

Faculty Mentor

Candace Zeigler MD, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Second Advisor

Kianna Thelen, MS4, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Keywords

sun risk, sun protection, protective clothing, sunscreen, mole check card, neoplasms

Subject Categories

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Abstract

Targeted Skin Cancer Education Improves Agricultural Workers' Safe Sun Practices and Knowledge in South Dakota: A Farm Show Survey

Leah Naasz, MD | Candace Zeigler, MD

Background: Agricultural workers are at increased risk for skin cancer due to prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure, yet many underutilize sun protection. Brief, community-based educational interventions may improve knowledge and preventive behaviors.

Objective: To provide a targeted skin cancer educational session to increase awareness and promote sun protection behaviors among agricultural workers in South Dakota.

Methods: Twenty agricultural workers attending the Vermillion and Sioux Falls Farm Shows participated in a pre- and post-educational survey. Inclusion criteria included: ≥18 years old, English-speaking, and working in agriculture. Participants completed a seven-question pre-survey assessing sun exposure, sun protection habits, and knowledge of skin cancer. They then received a 10-minute tutorial on skin cancer risk factors, sun protection, and self-examinations. A post-survey assessed knowledge gained and intended behavior changes. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests evaluated pre- to post-intervention changes, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Post-intervention, participants showed significant improvements in recognizing melanoma warning signs (mean Δ = 0.90; p < 0.001) and identifying the most common type of skin cancer (mean Δ = 0.65; p < 0.001). Intent to use sunscreen increased significantly (mean Δ = 0.38; p = 0.009), though no meaningful changes were observed for wide-brim hat or protective clothing use. Participants reported a high likelihood of engaging in sun protection behaviors (mean 4.38/5).

Conclusion: Brief, targeted educational sessions at farm shows effectively increased skin cancer awareness and self-reported intent to adopt sun-protective behaviors among South Dakota agricultural workers.

Targeted Skin Cancer Education Improves Agricultural Workers' Safe Sun Practices and Knowledge in South Dakota: A Farm Show Survey

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