Nationwide Analysis on Intentional Indoor and Outdoor Tanning: Prevalence and Correlates

Abstract

Outdoor and indoor tanning are considered as risk factors for the development of skin cancer. The aims of this nationwide representative study were to quantify both behaviors in a sample with a wide age range, to identify those showing both behaviors and to explore and compare determinants of both behaviors. We used data from the fifth wave (2019) of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM). We surveyed the representative sample including 4000 individuals, aged 16–65 years, living in Germany. Data were collected through telephone interviews. In addition to descriptive statistics, we used logistic regression analyses to identify determinants. The one-year-prevalence of tanning bed use was 7.5%, while 31.9% tanned (very) often intentionally outdoors in at least one situation (weekdays, holidays, and weekends). A total of 3.2% reported both risk behaviors. Regression analyses revealed that tanning bed use is associated with employment, an increased number of naevi, and lack of risk awareness. Intentional outdoor tanning was associated with male sex, younger age, past tobacco use, and low risk awareness of UV radiation. Our findings suggest that only a minority of subjects showed both risk behaviors. This implies that individuals seem to perform either one behavior or the other. In addition, the associated determinants differed between both behaviors, implying that specific preventive measures tailored to address to each tanning behavior are needed.

Tanning bed use in Germany between 2015 and 2022: Representative data of 28,000 individuals on indoor tanning, risk awareness and reasons for use

“…Trend in current tanning bed use in Germany. Data source : 2012: SUN‐Study ( n = 4851, aged 14–45 years), 21 NCAM waves 2015 to 2018 ( n = 3000 per wave, aged 14–45 years), 18 NCAM waves 2019 19 to 2022 ( n = 4000 per wave, aged 16–65 years); data are weighted by sex, age, and federal state. *16–45 years; current use: use within the last 12 months; in square brackets, 95% confidence intervals are reported.…”

“…Data on the current use of tanning beds 18,19 and place of use 20 from the first five NCAM waves have been published previously and will be complemented by data from 2020 to 2022 to present unique trend data for 8 years including 28,000 individuals. To be as complete as possible, the overview on trends in current use will include the prevalence of our first German representative study—the so‐called SUN‐Study 2012 21 …”

Considering Sun Safety Policies in the United States

“…Rates amongst minors are less well characterized. Efforts to restrict tanning bed use has occurred at the state level without a concerted national policy [14]. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies tanning beds as a group 1 carcinogen.…”