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Published on: September 7, 2013
Pediatricians' perspectives on indoor tanning
Meghan T Hession1, Shannon M Campbell, Sophie J Balk
1Department of Dermatology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Pediatric Dermatology
|August 6, 2013
Summary
New York pediatricians often counsel adolescents on indoor tanning risks but show limited awareness of laws restricting youth access to tanning beds. This highlights a gap in knowledge that may affect adolescent sunbed use prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Dermatology
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Indoor tanning poses significant health risks, including increased skin cancer risk, particularly for adolescents.
- Adolescent indoor tanning remains a public health concern despite awareness of its dangers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess New York State pediatricians' counseling practices regarding adolescent indoor tanning.
- To evaluate pediatricians' attitudes toward indoor tanning among minors.
- To determine pediatricians' awareness of legislation restricting youth access to indoor tanning facilities.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to pediatricians across New York State.
- The survey collected data on counseling habits, attitudes, and legislative awareness related to indoor tanning.
- Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey results.
Main Results:
- A majority of surveyed pediatricians counsel adolescents about the risks of indoor tanning.
- Pediatricians expressed varying attitudes toward indoor tanning, with some indicating concern and others less so.
- Awareness of specific legislation aimed at restricting youth access to tanning beds was notably low among respondents.
Conclusions:
- While pediatricians are actively counseling on indoor tanning risks, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding protective legislation.
- Educational interventions are needed to improve pediatricians' awareness of and ability to enforce laws limiting adolescent indoor tanning.
- Strengthening the connection between clinical practice and public health policy is crucial for effective adolescent skin cancer prevention.
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