UV light abuse and high-risk tanning behavior among undergraduate college students.
BACKGROUND
The failure of skin cancer prevention efforts to alter tanning behaviors may be a result of the addictive nature of UV light.


OBJECTIVE
This study attempts to determine the prevalence of UV light substance-related disorder (SRD).


METHODS
A survey was administered to undergraduate college students. The cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener questionnaire was used to determine existence of SRD.


RESULTS
Of 385 respondents, 12% scored positively on the cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener indicating SRD. Women, indoor tanners, students with tanning family and friends, and frequent tanners were significantly more likely than their peers to score positively.


CONCLUSIONS
The small size is a limitation of this study as results may not be generalizable to larger populations. There also may be self-report bias.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of college students demonstrate evidence of SRD with respect to UV light.
Poorsattar
Solmaz P
SP
University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, USA.
Hornung
Robin L
RL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002056:Burns / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*