-
Joni A Mayer,
Susan I Woodruff,
Donald J Slymen,
James F Sallis,
Jean L Forster,
Elizabeth J Clapp,
Katherine D Hoerster,
Latrice C Pichon,
John R Weeks,
George E Belch, Martin A Weinstock,
Todd Gilmer
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We evaluated psychosocial, built-environmental, and policy-related correlates of adolescents' indoor tanning use.
We developed 5 discrete data sets in the 100 most populous US cities, based on interviews of 6125 adolescents (aged 14-17 years) and their parents, analysis of state indoor tanning laws, interviews with enforcement experts, computed density of tanning facilities, and evaluations of these 3399 facilities' practices regarding access by youths. After univariate analyses, we constructed multilevel models with generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs).
In the past year, 17.1% of girls and 3.2% of boys had used indoor tanning. The GLMMs indicated that several psychosocial or demographic variables significantly predicted use, including being female, older, and White; having a larger allowance and a parent who used indoor tanning and allowed their adolescent to use it; and holding certain beliefs about indoor tanning's consequences. Living within 2 miles of a tanning facility also was a significant predictor. Residing in a state with youth-access legislation was not significantly associated with use.
Current laws appear ineffective in reducing indoor tanning; bans likely are needed. Parents have an important role in prevention efforts.
American Journal of Public Health 03/2011; 101(5):930-8. · 3.93 Impact Factor
-
Acta Dermato-Venereologica 01/2011; 91(1):101-2.
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: A recent meta-analysis found that indoor tanning use before the age of 35 years increases the risk of melanoma, supporting policies to restrict indoor tanning use among adolescents. The objectives of the current study were to provide a national assessment of prevalence and trends of indoor tanning use among US adolescents, to examine changes in the prevalence of indoor tanning use from 1998 to 2004 in relation to state policies on minors' access, and to assess the prevalence of burns, rashes, and infections among users.
Two cross-sectional population-based surveys of US youths ages 11 to 18 years and their parents/guardians conducted in 1998 (N=1196) and 2004 (N=1613) used identical questions to assess use of indoor tanning and correlates of this behavior.
The prevalence of indoor tanning use by adolescents within the past year changed little from 1998 to 2004 (10% to 11%). In states with policies regarding minors' access to indoor tanning, the prevalence stayed the same or decreased from 1998 to 2004, whereas it increased in states without such policies. Neither trend was found to be statistically significant. Youth tanning attitudes, parental indoor tanning use, and parents' permission were strongly associated with youth use of indoor tanning. Fifty-eight percent of users reported burns from indoor tanning.
The presence of state legislation restricting minors' access to indoor tanning appears to have limited effectiveness, perhaps because most states' policies permit use with parental consent. Multipronged approaches are needed to reduce indoor tanning use in youths.
Cancer 01/2009; 115(1):190-8. · 4.77 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The public health effect of melanoma in the United States is undeniable as approximately 60,000 diagnoses of invasive melanoma and 8,000 deaths from melanoma are expected in 2007. Due to the poor outcomes associated with treating advanced cases of melanoma, substantial public health resources have been devoted to prevention efforts. Of the various factors involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma, including genetic predisposition, immunosuppression, and UV radiation, decreasing UV exposure has attracted the most attention for decreasing the public health effect of melanoma. Although sun avoidance may be an important measure for reducing the public health effect of melanocytic and keratinocytic malignancies, educational and media campaigns to encourage sun avoidance have failed to achieve the desired behavior changes in young people, have had limited effect on elderly patients who have already experienced decades of damaging sun exposure, and most importantly have failed to decrease the incidence of melanoma. We believe the best method to reduce deaths from melanoma is to emphasize early detection and treatment of suspicious lesions through combined efforts of both patients and providers.
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 04/2008; 17(3):469-70. · 4.12 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Sun exposure in childhood is an important risk factor for developing skin cancer as an adult. Despite extensive efforts to reduce sun exposure among the young, there are no population-based data on trends in sunburns and sun protection practices in the young. The aim of this study was to describe nationally representative trend data on sunburns, sun protection, and attitudes related to sun exposure among US youth.
Cross-sectional telephone surveys of youth aged 11 to 18 years in 1998 (N = 1196) and in 2004 (N = 1613) were conducted using a 2-stage sampling process to draw population-based samples. The surveys asked identical questions about sun protection, number of sunburns experienced, and attitudes toward sun exposure. Time trends were evaluated using pooled logistic regression analysis.
In 2004, 69% of subjects reported having been sunburned during the summer, not significantly less than in 1998 (72%). There was a significant decrease in the percentage of those aged 11 to 15 years who reported sunburns and a nonsignificant increase among the 16- to 18-year-olds. The proportion of youth who reported regular sunscreen use increased significantly from 31% to 39%. Little change occurred in other recommended sun protection practices.
A small reduction in sunburn frequency and modest increases in sun protection practices were observed among youth between 1998 and 2004, despite widespread sun protection campaigns. Nevertheless, the decrease in sunburns among younger teens may be cause for optimism regarding future trends. Overall, there was rather limited progress in improving sun protection practices and reducing sunburns among US youth between 1998 and 2004.
PEDIATRICS 10/2006; 118(3):853-64. · 4.47 Impact Factor
-
Sam S Oh,
Joni A Mayer,
Elizabeth C Lewis,
Donald J Slymen,
James F Sallis,
John P Elder,
Laura Eckhardt,
April Achter, Martin Weinstock,
Lawrence Eichenfield,
Latrice C Pichon,
Gabriel R Galindo
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Few studies assessing sun safety behaviors have used validated survey instruments. Using an observational strategy, this study measured the validity of self-report of occupational sun protection behaviors.
Postal workers (N = 1,036) self-reported their frequency of protective clothing and sunglasses use during the past 5 workdays on Likert scales ranging from "Never" to "Always". Responses were dichotomized by Always vs. all other responses. Data collectors observed these same behaviors during mail delivery several days before survey administration. Agreement between the two measures was computed.
Self-report for all items was significantly related to observed behaviors, with Kappa values in the good to excellent range (Kappas = 0.51-0.83).
For outdoor postal workers, survey items assessing recent occupational use of sun-protective items had high levels of validity.
Preventive Medicine 11/2004; 39(4):798-803. · 3.22 Impact Factor
