Poorsattar SP, Hornung RL. UV light abuse and high-risk tanning behavior among undergraduate college students.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2007;
56:375-9. [PMID:
17257709 DOI:
10.1016/j.jaad.2006.08.064]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2006] [Revised: 08/22/2006] [Accepted: 08/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The failure of skin cancer prevention efforts to alter tanning behaviors may be a result of the addictive nature of UV light.
OBJECTIVE
This study attempts to determine the prevalence of UV light substance-related disorder (SRD).
METHODS
A survey was administered to undergraduate college students. The cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener questionnaire was used to determine existence of SRD.
RESULTS
Of 385 respondents, 12% scored positively on the cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener indicating SRD. Women, indoor tanners, students with tanning family and friends, and frequent tanners were significantly more likely than their peers to score positively.
LIMITATIONS
The small size is a limitation of this study as results may not be generalizable to larger populations. There also may be self-report bias.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of college students demonstrate evidence of SRD with respect to UV light.
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