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Awareness of the risks of tanning lamps does not influence behavior among college students
J Matthew Knight1, Anna N Kirincich, Evan R Farmer
1Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
Hypothesis:
Awareness of the risks of artificial tanning influences tanning behavior among college students.
Objective:
To correlate the prevalence of tanning lamp use, the perceived benefits and risks associated with UV exposure, and knowledge about skin cancer among university students.
Design:
A survey was designed and administered to college students seeking "walk-in" care at a university student health center from September 7, 1999, through September 30, 1999.
Setting:
A large midwestern public university student health center.
Participants:
Undergraduate and graduate students attending the student health center for any medical condition.
Intervention:
None.
Main Outcome Measure:
Completion of the survey.
Results:
Of the surveyed students, 47% had used a tanning lamp during the preceding 12 months. Female students were more common users than male students. Of the students surveyed, 39% reported never having used tanning lamps. More than 90% of users of tanning lamps were aware that premature aging and skin cancer were possible complications of tanning lamp use.
Conclusions:
Despite adequate knowledge of the adverse effects of UV exposure, university students freely and frequently use tanning lamps, primarily for desired cosmetic appearance. To alter this risky behavior will require a fundamental change in the societal belief that tans are attractive and healthy.