Prevalence of sunburn, sun protection, and indoor tanning behaviors among Americans: review from national surveys and case studies of 3 states.
BACKGROUND
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (from solar and nonsolar sources) is a risk factor for skin cancer.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to summarize recent estimates on sunburns, sun-protection behaviors, and indoor tanning available from national and selected statewide behavioral surveys.


METHODS
Estimates of the prevalence of sunburn, sun-protection behaviors, and indoor tanning by US adults, adolescents, and children collected in national surveys in 1992, 2004 to 2005, and 2007 to 2009 were identified and extracted from searches of computerized databases (ie, MEDLINE and PsychINFO), reference lists, and survey World Wide Web sites. Sunburn estimates from 3 state Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance Systems were also analyzed.


RESULTS
Latest published estimates (2005) showed that 34.4% of US adults were sunburned in the past year. Incidence of sunburns was highest among men, non-Hispanic whites, young adults, and high-income groups in national surveys. About 3 in 10 adults routinely practiced sun-protection behaviors, and women and older adults took the most precautions. Among adolescents, 69% were sunburned in the previous summer and less than 40% practiced sun protection. Approximately 60% of parents applied sunscreen and a quarter used shade to protect children. Indoor tanning was prevalent among younger adults and females.


CONCLUSIONS
Limitations include potential recall errors and social desirability in self-report measures, and lack of current data on children.


CONCLUSIONS
Many Americans experienced sunburns and a minority engaged in protective behaviors. Females and older adults were most vigilant about sun protection. Substantial proportions of young women and adolescents recently used indoor tanning. Future efforts should promote protective hats, clothing, and shade; motivate males and younger populations to take precautions; and convince women and adolescents to reduce indoor tanning.
Klein Buendel Inc, Golden, Colorado 80439, USA. dbuller@kleinbuendel.com
David B
DB
Buller
Vilma
V
Cokkinides
H Irene
HI
Hall
Anne M
AM
Hartman
Mona
M
Saraiya
Eric
E
Miller
Lisa
L
Paddock
Karen
K
Glanz
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012042:Registries; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055108:Sunbathing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013471:Sunburn / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D013473:Sunscreening Agents