title: Tanning among Ontario adolescents pre-legislation: Prevalence and beliefs.
abstract: To establish adolescent tanning beliefs and behaviors, prevalence and location of UV tanning device (beds/lamps) use, awareness of risk and restriction signage, and frequency of tanning service refusal, noting differences by grade and sex, prior to a ban on UV tanning device use among those under 18 in Ontario, Canada. Data were collected May 5 to 20 of 2014. Children in grades 7 to 12, and under age 18 completed an on-line questionnaire that asked their age, sex, grade, methods used to tan, frequency, length and location of UV tanning device use, if services were refused and why, awareness and content of signs/warning labels, tanning beliefs and knowledge, and use of eye protection. Of 1561 participants (10% response rate), 49% were male, 51% female. There were significant differences between the sexes regarding tanning behaviors (e.g. not tanning, tanning outside). Seven percent (108) had 'ever' used UV tanning devices, females more than males (p=0.0026). Over half (57%) of the 104 using UV tanning devices in the past 12months noticed warning signs/labels, of which most noticed that UV tanning devices can cause cancer (65%), and that UV exposure can contribute to premature aging (67%). While most (66%) tanned at tanning salons/studios and beauty salons/studios, gyms/fitness clubs (35%) and home use were common (25%). A relatively low proportion of adolescents used UV tanning devices prior to the ban, with use more common among females and those in higher grades.
authors: Prevention & Cancer Control, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Canada. Electronic address: Victoria.nadalin@cancercare.on.ca.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Nadalin
authors: Prevention & Cancer Control, Cancer Care Ontario, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Marrett
authors: Cancer Prevention and Tobacco Control, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, Toronto, Canada.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Atkinson
authors: School of Occupational and Public Health Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Tenkate
authors: Division of Dermatology, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors: C F
authors: CF
authors: Rosen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D055108:Sunbathing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: Adolescent; Prevention & control; Ultraviolet radiation