Sunbeds - Medline Search October 21, 1999

Title
A population-based survey on the use of artificial tanning devices in the Province of Quebec, Canada.
Author
Rhainds M; De Guire L; Claveau J
Address
Service Sante et Environnement, Unite de recherche en sante publique, CHUQ-Pavillon CHUL, Beauport (Quebec), Canada.
Source
J Am Acad Dermatol, 40(4):572-6 1999 Apr
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The suntanning industry has grown up over the last decade in North America, mainly because tanned skin is socially desirable and artificial tanning is perceived as a "safe tan." However, exposure to UV radiation is known to cause adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of use of tanning equipment in the Province of Quebec and to characterize people who reported using these devices. METHODS: In 1996, a telephone survey was carried out among adults from the two most densely populated regions (Montreal, Quebec) of the Province of Quebec. The final sample included 1003 white persons 18 to 60 years old. Interviewers used a standardized questionnaire to document the characteristics of the participant, skin phototype, and exposure habits to artificial UV radiation sources. RESULTS: During the last 5 years before the survey, 20.2% of the respondents reported they had used, at least once, a tanning device in a commercial tanning salon. The rate of use during the last 12 months before the study was 11.1%. A significantly higher proportion of female, young people (18 to 34 years old) and single persons was found among tanning bed users. Twenty-six percent of users experienced one or more acute adverse health effects from the artificial UV irradiation. Most of these were cases of skin burns. A high proportion (77.5%) of those who used tanning equipment during the last year before the study said they would return to tanning salons. The intention of returning to a tanning salon was not influenced by the occurrence of the acute adverse health effects. The most prevalent reason given for using tanning equipment was "to improve their appearance by a tan." Most people (60.4%) who used a tanning bed during the last 5 years before the study believe that tanning salons are not dangerous. CONCLUSION: This survey indicates that tanning bed use is very prevalent in the Province of Quebec, mainly among young women. The high rate of acute adverse health effects related to artificial tanning, particularly skin burns, is of concern. Finally, our results underline the importance of changing attitudes and beliefs in the population regarding artificial tanning.
Language
Eng
Unique Identifier
99202559

Title
Sun-related behaviour and melanoma awareness among Swedish university students.
Author
Jerkegren E; Sandrieser L; Brandberg Y; Rosdahl I
Address
Department of Biomedicine and Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of LinkĻoping, Sweden.
Source
Eur J Cancer Prev, 8(1):27-34 1999 Feb
Abstract
The relationship between knowledge, attitude and sun-related behaviour among Swedish students was examined in the present study. A total of 296 of 305 questionnaires, distributed among university students (medical school and economy programme) were analysed (157 men, 139 women, mean age 24 years). The percentage of students sunbathing with the intention of getting a tan was 75%. Thirteen per cent reported having experienced at least one painful sunburn every year and 93% stated at least one burn during the last ten years. The majority of the students had used a sun bed, 12% more than ten times during the last year. Subjects with high frequency of sun bed use also scored high on sunbathing and sunburns. Significantly more women (70%) than men (51%) used sunscreen. The overall knowledge of melanoma was high. No difference in knowledge was found between the high- and low-exposure group. Medical students scored higher on knowledge than economy students, but did not differ in exposure score. Our findings reveal an excessive sun exposure among university students. A high level of knowledge of risk does not lead to a sun-protective behaviour. Future preventative campaigns targeting young people must focus on strategies to change attitudes towards tanning as being healthy and attractive.
Language
Eng
Unique Identifier
99191140