Sunbed use among 64,000 Danish students and the associations with demographic factors, health-related behaviours, and appearance-related factors

Abstract

Sunbed use is associated with an increased risk for skin cancer and is particularly dangerous for younger persons. The objective of this study was to assess how demographic factors, health-related behaviours and appearance-related factors are associated with sunbed use. Cross-sectional data from the Danish National Youth Study collected by the National Institute of Public Health during 2014 was used. A total of 64,382 students aged 15-25years were included in the present study. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations. Sunbed use during the past 12months was reported by 22% of students, with a higher proportion among females (29%) than males (12%). Factors associated with sunbed use were older age, studying at a vocational college or a higher preparatory examination school compared to upper secondary school, and lower parental education. Furthermore, being a smoker, been binge-drinking, longer duration of exercise and been dieting were also associated with sunbed use. For females, poor dietary habits were also associated with sunbed use. Feeling overweight was associated with lower odds for sunbed use for males, but with higher odds for females. Lower body satisfaction was associated with higher odds of sunbed use, except for overweight males. Students who were underweight had lower odds for sunbed use, than normal weight students. Conclusively, we found evidence of associations between demographic factors, health-related behaviours and appearance-related factors and sunbed use. Understanding these relations could help to identify high-risk groups and guide preventive strategies for sunbed use and skin cancer prevention.

Who, why, where: an overview of determinants of sunbed use in Europe

“…This has been shown in European studies investigating both adults and adolescents . A significant link between sunbed use and other unhealthy lifestyle factors (abuse of alcohol/drugs, unbalanced nutritional habits) had been reported by American studies, and recently was confirmed by a large Danish investigation on 64 000 students . Contrasting data are reported on the association between sunbed use and marital status.…”

“…Education – higher education levels have been associated with sunbed use, although other authors find found the opposite . Interestingly, lower parental education has been associated with higher sunbed use among students Immigrant background – in a German study, immigrants were significantly more likely to be sunbed users than non‐immigrants, a result likely due to different beauty ideals across different populations …”

“…Women have consistently been reported to be the most eager sunbed users in Europe . Interestingly, most studies have reported that females are two to three times more likely to use indoor tanning than males .…”

“…Experiencing positive emotions has been largely described as a powerful drive for sunbed use in both adults and adolescents. In particular, aesthetic motives, such as looking attractive, perceived attractiveness, self‐presentation, and the importance of being tanned all year long, have been reported as the principal factors inducing Europeans to use artificial tanning . Accordingly, several studies have shown that sunbed users claim improved appearance and self‐confidence because of tanned skin; they also state to feel healthier and more relaxed after a sunbed session .…”

Ultraviolet radiation exposure among Belgrade high school students: analysis of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour

“…Female students in our study proved to be more prone to using a sunbed than male – not only they use it more often, but also they plan to use them more frequently in the future. The female aspiration to intentional tanning in order to enhance attractiveness has been described in recent literature across Europe . Also, younger students consider the sunbeds not to be so harmful and tend to start with the sunbeds at a younger age, a phenomenon already registered in different countries …”