Prevalence and correlates of indoor tanning among US adults.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the prevalence of indoor tanning among the US general adult population.


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Heckman
Carolyn J
CJ
Division of Population Science, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. carolyn.heckman@fccc.edu
Coups
Elliot J
EJ
Manne
Sharon L
SL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001505:Beauty Culture / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D044465:White People
D013473:Sunscreening Agents