Significant Engagement in Tanning Behaviors by Men at a U.S. University

J Community Health. 2018 Aug;43(4):656-659. doi: 10.1007/s10900-017-0464-y.

Abstract

Adolescent and young adult men are a potentially overlooked population with respect to risky tanning behaviors. This study sought to determine the prevalence of various modes of tanning and associated variables among young men in a university setting in the southeastern United States. Undergraduate students at a public institution in Mobile, Alabama were surveyed electronically in March 2016. Of the 818 undergraduate men surveyed, over 90% reported tanning behaviors, with 37% reporting engaging in indoor tanning. Additionally, over 25% reported engaging in two or more types of tanning concurrently. These findings indicate that early intervention efforts targeting young men are needed to reduce risky tanning behaviors and associated negative health outcomes.

Keywords: College; Indoor tanning; Male; Tanning; Young adult.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alabama
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Men's Health*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk-Taking
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sunbathing / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States
  • Universities
  • Young Adult