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. 2022 Feb;29(1):25-35.
doi: 10.1007/s12529-021-09993-x. Epub 2021 May 4.

Acculturation, Sun Tanning Behavior, and Tanning Attitudes Among Asian College Students in the Northeastern USA

Jennifer M Bowers  1   2 , Jada G Hamilton  3 , Yelena P Wu  4 , Anne Moyer  5 , Jennifer L Hay  3
Affiliations

Acculturation, Sun Tanning Behavior, and Tanning Attitudes Among Asian College Students in the Northeastern USA

Jennifer M Bowers et al. Int J Behav Med. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Background: College students participate in high levels of tanning, a skin cancer risk behavior due to ultraviolet radiation exposure, yet little is known about Asian college students' behavior. This study examined the relationship between tanning attitudes, acculturation to the USA (cultural assimilation), and tanning behavior.

Method: An online survey was used to recruit 211 Asian college students in the northeastern USA (47.4% born outside of the USA) to respond to questions about recent tanning behavior, sun protection strategies, attitudes about tanning, and acculturation to the USA.

Results: Attitudes about tanning, particularly desire for a darker skin tone and social norms, along with acculturation to the USA, were predictive of intentional tanning. The sample reported high levels of sun protection, which was associated with low acculturation.

Conclusion: The significant role of acculturation in this study indicates that it may be a useful factor to include in future tanning intervention studies of relevant populations.

Keywords: Acculturation; Primary prevention; Skin cancer; Sunscreen; Tanning.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Multivariate model of intentional outdoor tanning frequency using Model 3 (from Table 5)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Multivariate model of sun protection frequency using Model 1 (from Table 5)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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