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Does the awareness of the health risks from tanning differ in an 18- 30 year-old age group compared to a 31-55 year-old age group?
Keck, Shane A. Bunton, Patricia A.
Keck, Shane A.
Bunton, Patricia A.
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Conference paper
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2007-04-27
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Keck Shane A. & Patricia Bunton.(2007). Does the awareness of the health risks from tanning differ in an 18- 30 year-old age group compared to a 31-55 year-old age group? In Proceedings : 3rd Annual Symposium : Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. Wichita, KS : Wichita State University, p.113-114
Abstract
Indoor and outdoor tanning are popular
activities in American culture. However, over-exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation is of considerable concern for
public health. This study compared the perceptions of the
harmful effects of tanning, as well as attitudes and behaviors,
between two age groups. Results may be helpful in
determining the need for continuing education in our
communities and schools and encouraging public policy
regarding tanning bed use. Methodology: A 29-item survey
was designed and administered to a sample of Wichita State
University students. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square and
compared responses of the two age groups, as well as
between genders. The sample size included one hundred and
nine 18-30 and forty-one 31-55 year-old college students.
There were 104 females and 46 males. Results: An
association was found between age and 1) whether most of
their friends try to get a tan; 2) whether they only wear
sunscreen when someone tells them to; 3) whether they felt
good about wearing sunscreen in the summer months; 4)
knowledge that those with light colored eyes and blonde hair
are at greatest risk. In general, females feel good about
wearing sunscreen, agree that getting even one sunburn can
increase one’s risk of skin cancer and disagree that the risk of
skin cancer is low in tanning salons compared to males in the
study. Conclusions: Data suggests that young people may
engage in risky behavior because other young people are
engaging in that same behavior, only wear sunscreen when
told to, and feel less comfortable wearing sunscreen to
protect themselves from UV radiation than older adults.
Because this study had a small sample size, with more than
twice the number of 18-30 year-olds completing the survey
than 31-55 year-olds, caution should be used in generalizing
the results. Further research should attempt to include a larger
number of participants, with study groups being similar in
number, gender and ethnic background. Geographical
differences could also be studied.
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Description
Paper presented to the 3rd Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, April 27, 2007.
Research completed at the Dept. of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions
Research completed at the Dept. of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions
Publisher
Wichita State University. Graduate School.
Journal
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Series
GRASP
v.3
v.3