Randomized controlled trial of a web-based indoor tanning intervention: Acceptability and preliminary outcomes.

Abstract

Objective This manuscript describes the acceptability and preliminary behavioral outcomes from a pilot randomized control trial of a web-based indoor tanning intervention for young adult women. The intervention targets indoor tanning user’s perceptions of then benefits and value of tanning and addresses the role of body image-related constructs in indoor tanning. Methods Participants were 186 young adult women who reported indoor tanning at least once in the past 12 months. The study design was a 2-arm randomized controlled trial with pre and post assessments and random assignment to an intervention or control condition. Intervention acceptability was assessed by obtaining participants’ evaluation of the intervention. Regression analyses were used to test for intervention condition differences in preliminary behavioral outcomes measured at 6-weeks post-intervention. Results Participants provided favorable evaluations of the intervention on several dimensions and a highly positive overall rating. Intervention participants were more likely to report abstaining from indoor tanning and indicated a lower likelihood of using indoor tanning in the future compared to control participants on the post-intervention assessment. No differences were found for sunburns. Conclusions The results of this pilot randomized controlled trial provide evidence that the indoor tanning intervention is acceptable to participants and may encourage cessation of indoor tanning behavior. The findings provide preliminary support for an indoor tanning intervention that engages tanners to challenge their beliefs about the benefits of indoor tanning. The use of a web-based indoor tanning intervention is unique and provides strong potential for dissemination.

Indoor Tanning Dependence in Young Adult Women

“…Interventions have targeted young adults generally and those with any history of indoor tanning using used web- and print-based education to address perceived risks and benefits of tanning and appearance-based motives (38, 59–62). Although interventions aimed at affecting perceived risks and benefits of health behaviors have promising effects generally (26, 63) and in some studies of indoor tanning (61, 64), our findings suggest this approach alone may be insufficient to promote behavior change among young adults endorsing indoor tanning dependence.…”

Sociocultural experiences, body image, and indoor tanning among young adult women

“…Existing interventions do address sociocultural influences on tanning by addressing peer norms related to tanning, highlighting examples of attractive women who do not tan, and promoting healthy alternatives to tanning (Hillhouse et al, 2008; Lazovich et al, 2013). There may also be value in targeting body image constructs as mechanisms of change as this approach has been successful in some disordered eating prevention programs (Thompson et al, 2012) as well as recent tanning interventions (Chait et al, 2015; Stapleton et al, 2015). The intent of such an approach would be to encourage tanners to consider that their tanning may be in part due to comparisons with unrealistic image ideals or goals as well as a desire to alleviate negative feelings about their appearance that accompany such comparisons.…”

A Web-Based Intervention to Reduce Indoor Tanning Motivations in Adolescents: a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Previous intervention studies demonstrated successful indoor tanning reduction in adults (Gibbons, Gerrard, Lane, Mahler, & Kulik, 2005; Hillhouse & Turrisi, 2002; Hillhouse, Turrisi, Stapleton, & Robinson, 2008; Stapleton et al, 2015; Stapleton, Turrisi, Hillhouse, Robinson, & Abar, 2010). Several of these studies (Gibbons, Gerrard, Lane, Mahler, & Kulik, 2005; Hillhouse & Turrisi, 2002; Hillhouse et al, 2008; Stapleton et al, 2015; Stapleton, Turrisi, Hillhouse, Robinson, & Abar, 2010) utilized an appearance-focused approach grounded in established health behavior change models (e.g., theory of reasoned action; Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975; behavioral alternatives; Jaccard, 1981; prototype-willingness; Gibbons, Gerrard, & Lane, 2009).…”