Threat appraisal for skin cancer among rural farmers in Ilam, Iran

Background: Skin cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies in Iran. According to statistics, it is the most common cancer in the population of Ilam, west of Iran. The present study aimed to assess threat appraisal of skin cancer among rural farmers of Ilam in 2013-2014. Method: In this cross-sectional study, we used multistage random sampling. We collected the data through distribution of a researcher-developed questionnaire among 248 farmers from the rural areas of Ilam in June 2013. The items of the questionnaire were based on the protection motivation theory, and covered components included perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, and rewards. Result: We found a generally lower perceived vulnerability and severity and higher rewards among the farmers; 14.5 and 30.6 % of the farmers displayed higher perceived vulnerability and severity, respectively. Only 15.7% of the farmers were low in extrinsic and intrinsic rewards for unprotected behaviours. We found 149 people (60.1%) had unacceptable levels of threat appraisal; 2 people (0.8 %) had borderline levels; and 97 people (39.1%) had acceptable levels. Also, there was a significant relationship between perceived vulnerability, severity, income, and education level of the participants (P<0.001), but an insignificant relationship was found between family size, threat appraisal (P<0.747), family size and perceived threat (P<0.247). Conclusion: The overall findings of the present study indicated unacceptable levels of psychological perception about skin cancer in farmers, which highlights the importance of designing, implementation, and evaluation of educational interventions related to the issue.