A study of tanning operators in the State of Kansas: their attitudes and stated practices regarding minors and tanning

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the basic demographics, attitudes and stated practices regarding youth access to tanning among Kansas tanning operators. A survey was mailed to Kansas tanning facilities regarding these questions and results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The survey response rate was 28% (n=651). The majority of the respondents felt that there was “none to a little risk” with indoor tanning (60%). Most did feel that someone can be too young to tan yet only 65% have ever discouraged one from tanning because of their age. This study shows 92% of operators support written parental consent, yet they are not practicing that a parent needs to accompany them on there first visit. Conclusion: It was shown that the majority of operators believed that written parental consent and age regulations for indoor tanning should be required. This study attempted to give information regarding the need to enforce youth access to tanning to Kansas law makers