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. 2008 May;58(5):769-80.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.01.020. Epub 2008 Mar 6.

Prevalence and correlates of indoor tanning among US adults

Carolyn J Heckman  1 , Elliot J Coups, Sharon L Manne
Affiliations

Prevalence and correlates of indoor tanning among US adults

Carolyn J Heckman et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 May.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the prevalence of indoor tanning among the US general adult population.

Objectives: This study sought to: (1) describe the prevalence of indoor tanning throughout adulthood; (2) identify demographic and psychosocial correlates of indoor tanning; and (3) determine whether these correlates vary by age group.

Methods: This study used data from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey, an annual health survey of the US adult population.

Results: Indoor tanning rates were higher among individuals who were young, white, and female. Rates of indoor tanning in the last year varied from 20.4% for those aged 18 to 29 years to 7.8% for those aged 65 years and older. A variety of demographic, health, and behavioral health risk factors correlated with indoor tanning.

Limitations: The study design was cross-sectional and all data were self-reported.

Conclusions: Health care providers should address indoor tanning as a health risk factor across the lifespan.

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References

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