# Actinic cheilitis and associated factors in fishermen living in a rural riverside community in the Amazon

## TL;DR

This study found high rates of actinic cheilitis in Amazonian fishermen due to sun exposure and lack of protective measures.

## Contribution

The study identifies risk factors and prevalence of actinic cheilitis in a specific rural Amazonian population.

## Key findings

- 28.6% of fishermen had moderate or severe actinic cheilitis.
- Not using lip balm and white skin were linked to higher lesion prevalence.
- Most fishermen had not visited dental services recently.

## Abstract

The study evaluated the prevalence of actinic cheilitis and associated factors in fishermen living in a rural riverside community in the Amazon, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with male artisanal fishermen. Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and occupational characteristics were assessed using a questionnaire. Actinic cheilitis was evaluated by a clinical examination of the lips, and lesions were classified as grades I (mild), II (moderate), or III (severe). Factors associated with actinic cheilitis were identified by Poisson regression. Fifty-six fishermen were evaluated (mean age = 41.7 years). The average time spent fishing was 27.9 years, with 9.8 hours per day. The majority did not use sunscreen (75%) or lip balm (89.3%) and used uncovered boats (85.7%). Overall, 67.8% had not used dental health services in the last year and 35.7% had their last consultation more than three years ago. The prevalence of actinic cheilitis was 3.5% in grade I, 28.6% in grade II, and 28.6% in grade III. Having white skin and not having visited the dentist in the last three years was associated with a higher prevalence of the lesion while using lip balm was a protective factor. The study showed that riverside fishermen living in a location with a high incidence of ultraviolet radiation had a high prevalence and severity of actinic cheilitis, indicating the need to ensure the use of health services and the adoption of preventive strategies to reduce the occurrence of this potentially malignant oral disorder in these locations.