Health behaviours associated with indoor tanning based on the 2012/13 Manitoba Youth Health Survey

Abstract

Introduction Although indoor tanning causes cancer, it remains relatively common among adolescents. Little is known about indoor tanning prevalence and habits in Canada, and even less about associated behaviours. This study explores the prevalence of adolescent indoor tanning in Manitoba and its association with other demographic characteristics and health behaviours. Methods We conducted secondary analyses of the 2012/13 Manitoba Youth Health Survey data collected from Grade 7 to 12 students (n = 64 174) and examined associations between indoor tanning (whether participants had ever used artificial tanning equipment) and 25 variables. Variables with statistically significant associations to indoor tanning were tested for collinearity and grouped based on strong associations. For each group of highly associated variables, the variable with the greatest effect upon indoor tanning was placed into the final logistic regression model. Separate analyses were conducted for males and females to better understand sex-based differences, and analyses were adjusted for age. Results Overall, 4% of male and 9% of female students reported indoor tanning, and prevalence increased with age. Relationships between indoor tanning and other variables were similar for male and female students. Binary logistic regression models indicated that several variables significantly predicted indoor tanning, including having part-time work, being physically active, engaging in various risk behaviours such as driving after drinking for males and unplanned sex after alcohol/drugs for females, experiencing someone say something bad about one’s body shape/size/appearance, identifying as trans or with another gender, consuming creatine/other supplements and, for females only, never/rarely using sun protection. Conclusion Indoor tanning among adolescents was associated with age, part-time work, physical activity and many consumption behaviours and lifestyle risk factors. Though legislation prohibiting adolescent indoor tanning is critical, health promotion to discourage indoor tanning may be most beneficial if it also addresses these associated factors.

Indoor tanning prevalence after the International Agency for Research on Cancer statement on carcinogenicity of artificial tanning devices: systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Forest plot for past‐year exposure in adults and college students. Table S1 Studies included in the meta‐analysis …”

The skin we live in: pigmentation traits and tanning behaviour in British young adults, an observational and genetically-informed study

“…It is possible that UV indoor tanning is controlled by a number of different factors and that pigmentation is not comparatively as relevant as other determinants. For instance, it has been reported that indoor tanning is associated with mental health problems 54 , physical activity and dietary practices 55 , and other risky behaviours 56, 57 . Moreover, a recent GWAS meta-analysis on sun-seeking behaviour 58 , adjusted for tanning ability and SEP, identified 5 loci related to behavioural traits, including addiction.…”

The Skin We Live in: Pigmentation Traits and Tanning Behaviour in British Young Adults, an Observational and Genetically-Informed Study

“…It is possible that UV indoor tanning is controlled by a number of different factors and that pigmentation is not comparatively as relevant as other determinants. For instance, it has been reported that indoor tanning is associated with mental health problems [53], physical activity and dietary practices [54], and other risky behaviours [55,56]. Moreover, a recent GWAS meta-analysis on sun-seeking behaviour [57], adjusted for tanning ability and SEP, identified five loci related to behavioural traits, including addiction.…”