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Published on: September 7, 2013
Theory-Driven Longitudinal Study Exploring Indoor Tanning Initiation in Teens Using a Person-Centered Approach
Joel Hillhouse1, Rob Turrisi2, Michael J Cleveland2
1Department of Community & Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, 104 Lamb Hall, Box 70674, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA. hillhous@etsu.edu.
Early indoor tanning initiation increases melanoma risk. This study identified teen subgroups based on tanning beliefs, finding that "aware social tanners" and "risky relaxation tanners" were more likely to start indoor tanning.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health
- Dermatology
- Cancer prevention
Background:
- Younger indoor tanning initiation is linked to higher melanoma risk due to increased frequency and duration.
- No prior studies have investigated predictors of indoor tanning initiation among adolescent populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine indoor tanning initiation in risk subgroups using latent profile analysis.
- To analyze a national sample of female adolescents regarding indoor tanning behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Latent profile analysis was employed to classify subgroups based on indoor tanning beliefs and perceptions.
- Adolescents within identified subgroups were reassessed for indoor tanning initiation after one year.
Main Results:
- Three distinct subgroups emerged: low-risk anti-tanning (18.6%), moderate-risk aware social tanners (47.2%), and high-risk risky relaxation tanners (34.2%).
- Adolescents in the aware social tanner and risky relaxation tanner subgroups showed significantly higher likelihoods of initiating indoor tanning the following year.
Conclusions:
- Findings underscore the importance of identifying at-risk adolescents for tailored interventions to reduce indoor tanning initiation.
- Interventions focusing on parental and peer influences may be effective in shifting adolescents to lower-risk subgroups.
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