Decrease in Self-Reported Tanning Frequency among Utah Teens following the Passage of Utah Senate Bill 41: An Analysis of the Effects of Youth-Access Restriction Laws on Tanning Behaviors

Abstract

Introduction. Adolescent use of indoor tanning facilities is associated with an increased risk in later development of melanoma skin cancers. States that have imposed age restrictions on access to indoor tanning generally show lower self-reported rates of indoor tanning than states with no restrictions, but currently no studies have assessed indoor tanning use before and after such restrictions. Methods. In 2013, we compared self-reported indoor tanning data collected in the Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) survey in 2011 to PNA 2013 data. We also assessed predictors of continued tanning after passage of the bill. Results. Prior to the passage of Senate Bill 41, 12% of students reported at least one incident of indoor tanning in the past 12 months. After passage, only 7% of students reported indoor tanning in the past 12 months (P < 0.0001). Students who continued indoor tanning were more likely to be older and female and to engage in other risk behaviors, including smoking and alcohol use. Lower parental education levels were also associated with continued tanning. Conclusion. Indoor tanning restrictions showed beneficial impact on tanning rates in adolescents in Utah. Stricter restrictions may show even greater impact than restrictions that allow for parental waivers. Stronger enforcement of bans is needed to further reduce youth access.

Decrease in artificial tanning by French teenagers: 2011‐2016

“…In the United States, some studies have tried to examine the effect of legislations on indoor tanning prevalence among teenagers but results are not the same among the states that have imposed age restrictions on access to indoor tanning. For example, in Utah, indoor tanning restrictions showed beneficial impact on tanning rates in adolescents . However, in Alabama, there were no significant changes in indoor tanning among adolescents since the enactment of Alabama's tanning restrictions …”

“…For example, in Utah, indoor tanning restrictions showed beneficial impact on tanning rates in adolescents. 18 However, in Alabama, there were no significant changes in indoor tanning among adolescents since the enactment of Alabama's tanning restrictions. 19 Despite encouraging results, there is still progress to be made in sun-risk prevention campaigns.…”

Compliance with indoor tanning bans for minors among businesses in the USA

“…However, some state-specific studies point to the complex nature of these regulations. In New Jersey, indoor tanning rates among high school students did not significantly decline after age restrictions [12], yet indoor tanning among minors in Utah did appear to decline after introduction of an age ban [11]. This indicates that the effect of the ban may vary between states and signals that additional research is needed to understand the ways in which ban enforcement can maximize compliance.…”

“…Some cities and states have made efforts to limit access to indoor tanning by enacting bans for minors [8,9]. Limited evidence suggests that such bans are associated with decreased rates of adolescent indoor tanning [10,11]; however, other data indicate no significant declines in use [12]. A limited number of studies have evaluated compliance with indoor tanning regulations in one or two states at a time.…”

Parental Support for Age-based Indoor Tanning Restrictions

“…8 Although 17 states currently have parental permission requirements, 9 research to date suggests such policies have a more limited impact on indoor tanning. 8,10,11 Weaknesses of these policies are unclear at present, but may include parents’ willingness to give permission or lower compliance by indoor tanning facilities with parental permission requirements, compared with age-based bans. 12–14 …”