Date of Conferral

8-13-2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Heba Athar

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the risk of developing skin conditions linked to skin cancer. Migrant Hispanic farmworkers are especially at risk due to extended outdoor labor, limited access to preventive care, and minimal occupational protections. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the association between sun exposure duration and region of birth with the presence of skin conditions associated with skin cancer among migrant Hispanic farmworkers in the United States. This study was grounded by the Social Ecological Model, which provided a comprehensive framework for examining multilevel factors influencing skin health outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, secondary data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed for 155 migrant Hispanic farmworkers aged 18 to 85 years. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics, and logistic regression was conducted to analyze associations between key variables. Finding from the chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between duration of sun exposure and the presence of skin conditions, χ²(2) = 19.19, p < .001. No statistically significant association was found between region of birth and presence of skin conditions, as indicated by the logistic regression model, χ²(6) = 8.97, p = .175. Field-based products developed from this study included recommendations for advocacy groups and policymakers. Implications for positive social change include the development of culturally appropriate sun safety education, improved access to preventive healthcare, and the promotion of workplace protections for this vulnerable population.

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