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Sunburn and tanning in a British population
Journal of Public Health Medicine
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Many adults in Great Britain experience sunburn, especially younger individuals and those with poor tanning ability. Prevention efforts should focus on the link between sunburn and tanning desires in young adults and men.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Investigated sunburn and tanning prevalence and attitudes in a British adult population.
- Assessed self-reported sunburn and tanning behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the prevalence of sunburn and tanning behaviors in Great Britain.
- To inform primary prevention strategies for skin cancer.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 2025 adults (aged 16+) in England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Data collected via interviews in the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Omnibus Survey (October 1993).
- Response rate of 77% achieved.
Main Results:
- 37% reported sunburn in the past 12 months, higher in young adults, poor tanners, and those attempting to tan.
- Sunbathing was the primary activity linked to severe sunburn, often occurring abroad.
- 33% attempted to tan, with higher rates in younger individuals and women.
Conclusions:
- Results highlight the strong association between sunburn and the desire to tan, particularly in young adults and men.
- Findings support the development of targeted primary prevention initiatives for skin cancer.
- Public health strategies should address attitudes towards tanning and sunburn risk.