Improving understanding about tanning behaviors in college students: a pilot study
Corey Hannah Basch1, Grace Clarke Hillyer, Charles E Basch
1Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA. chb24@columbia.edu
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|March 17, 2012
Summary
Young adults exhibit risky sun exposure behaviors, including infrequent sunblock use and frequent indoor tanning, leading to a high risk of skin cancer. Interventions are needed to promote sun safety among this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Melanoma is a significant health concern, particularly among young adults aged 15-29.
- Understanding sun exposure behaviors and related beliefs is crucial for melanoma prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess sun exposure behaviors, barriers, and beliefs among young adults.
- To identify risk factors for skin cancer in this population.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 153 undergraduate students at a large state university.
- Online survey assessing sun safety habits, sunblock barriers, and tanning beliefs.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of outdoor activity (87.8% spent ≥3 hours/day outside in summer).
- Low sunblock usage (17.3% always used sunblock).
- High rates of indoor tanning (60%) and lifetime sunburns (41% >10 sunburns).
- Forgetting was the primary barrier to sunblock use (84.2%).
Conclusions:
- The study sample exhibits high-risk behaviors for skin cancer.
- Inconsistent sunblock use, indoor tanning, and sunburn history indicate a need for targeted interventions.
- Further research is warranted to develop effective sun safety strategies for young adults.
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