Melanoma and its relationship with solarium use: health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of young women

Abstract

Despite growing evidence of a relationship between solarium use and melanoma development, few studies have examined knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards solarium use among young women. Females aged 18-26 years attended one of six focus groups (N = 27, seven solarium users and 20 non-users). Three specific themes were endorsed: (1) melanoma knowledge; (2) perceptions of melanoma risk and ways to encourage behaviour change; and (3) health promotion and government regulation. Many young women appear to lack knowledge about melanoma and its relationship with solarium use. Knowledge deficits are highlighted and implications for health prevention/promotion campaigns and future research are discussed.