Understanding students' indoor tanning practices and beliefs.

摘要

This study examined the nature of indoor tanning beliefs and practices. Evaluation of student behaviors and beliefs was done by determining why individuals utilize artificial tanning devices and/or suntan, the frequency of usage, and skin protective measures. By identifying the benefits, barriers, and threat of disease, interventions may be implemented. Perceived benefits, determined by the data analysis, found that a majority of individuals viewed a tan as attractive (60%), sexy (74%), athletic (51%), healthy (53%), and just looks better (59%). Perceived barriers to action include thoughts that sunscreen is too messy (38%), a bother to reapply (45%), and is too much protection (42%). The perceived threat of skin cancer was determined by the views of skin cancer's seriousness. Only 4% of participants always wear sunscreen when outdoors, however, 64% of participants are worried about getting skin cancer in the future.;Knowledge among participants was high in regards to skin cancer. A majority of participants (95%) were able to depict what a suspicious lesion looks like (i.e., mole with irregular border and unevenly colored) and agreed with the increased risk of skin cancer from frequent sunburns (91%). The research showed areas for improvement from many aspects, including provider and patient education on the importance of routine skin examinations, incorporating preventative techniques early in life, legal regulations, and learning to accept one's own natural beauty influenced by media.