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J. Matthew Knight, MD; Anna N. Kirincich, MD, MPH; Evan R. Farmer, MD; Antoinette F. Hood, MD

Arch Dermatol. 2002;138:1311-1315.

Hypothesis  Awareness of the risks of artificial tanning influences tanning behavior among college students.

Objective  To correlate the prevalence of tanning lamp use, the perceived benefits and risks associated with UV exposure, and knowledge about skin cancer among university students.

Design  A survey was designed and administered to college students seeking "walk-in" care at a university student health center from September 7, 1999, through September 30, 1999.

Setting  A large midwestern public university student health center.

Participants  Undergraduate and graduate students attending the student health center for any medical condition.

Intervention  None.

Main Outcome Measure  Completion of the survey.

Results  Of the surveyed students, 47% had used a tanning lamp during the preceding 12 months. Female students were more common users than male students. Of the students surveyed, 39% reported never having used tanning lamps. More than 90% of users of tanning lamps were aware that premature aging and skin cancer were possible complications of tanning lamp use.

Conclusions  Despite adequate knowledge of the adverse effects of UV exposure, university students freely and frequently use tanning lamps, primarily for desired cosmetic appearance. To alter this risky behavior will require a fundamental change in the societal belief that tans are attractive and healthy.

From the Departments of Dermatology (Drs Knight, Farmer, and Hood) and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Drs Farmer and Hood) and the Bowen Research Center (Dr Kirincich), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. Drs Farmer and Hood are now affiliated with the Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk.

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