PREVALENCE OF POTENTIALLY MALIGNANT ORAL LESIONS IN FARMERS FROM A TRADE UNION ASSOCIATION IN CAJAZEIRAS-PB: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

This article aimed to investigate the prevalence of malocclusions in farmers affiliated with the Cajazeiras-PB Trade Union Association. This is a pilot, quantitative, observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive-analytical study, conducted between April and May 2026 with 18 participants over 18 years of age. A predominance of females (61.1%) was observed, with a mean age of 51.7 years. Most participants reported prolonged daily sun exposure and partial use of photoprotection measures. Two cases suggestive of actinic cheilitis were identified, corresponding to a prevalence of 11.1% of the sample, both in male farmers chronically exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Although no statistically significant association was observed between sun exposure and the presence of potentially malignant oral lesions (p=0.490), the findings suggest a possible relationship between occupational sun exposure and the development of these alterations. The findings highlighted the occurrence of potentially malignant oral disorders, especially actinic cheilitis, in rural workers chronically exposed to solar radiation. Despite the small sample size, the study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis, the adoption of photoprotection measures, and the development of preventive actions aimed at the rural population exposed to occupational ultraviolet radiation.