Sunbed Use Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Survey among Austrian Residents

Haluza, Daniela; Simic, S.; Moshammer, Hanns

doi:10.3390/ijerph13020231

Cited by 19 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…The reasons for this, especially the desire for a tan and a specific body image by young women, have been found in studies from Northern Europe and Australia, too . The current numbers from this study's initial observation phase correspond to an Austrian study on the use of sunbeds in which the 1‐year prevalence was 8.9%, and sunbed use was slightly higher in women than in men . Moreover, extrinsic ageing and skin type were major predictors for sunbed use or abuse, which was corroborated in the current study.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Decreasing sunbed use in the German population between 2001 and 2015: survey in 155 679 working persons

Augustin

Schäfer

Reusch

et al. 2019

Acad Dermatol Venereol

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Background UV radiation is a proven cause of skin cancer. Use of sunbeds has been shown to provide an attributable risk. Objective To evaluate the proportion of regular sunbed use in Germany based on large‐scale population‐based surveys over 15 years. Methods Skin cancer screenings by dermatologists were conducted between 2001 and 2015 in more than 500 German companies, including a clinical examination and interviews on the risk behaviour related to sunburns and sunbeds. Results Among 155 679 persons included regular sunbed use significantly declined from 11.0% in 2001 to 1.6% in 2015 (P < 0.001). There were significantly higher rates of sunbed use in women (12.5%/2.0%) vs. men (7.3%/1.3%; P < 0.001), in younger persons and in participants with darker skin (type II and III) vs. fair skin (type I). Individuals with sunburns in childhood were significantly more often sunbed users (5.1% vs. 4.6%; P = 0.002). A remarkable decline of sunbed use was observed after 2009 (7.0% in 2001–2008 and 2.2% in 2009–2015). This reduction occurred in the time of a legal ban of sunbed use for minors but also with the start of the national skin cancer screening programme. Conclusion Use of sunbeds in the German adult population has dropped by more than 85% in the past decade. Primary prevention, including the large public awareness following the legal ban of sunbed use for young people and the effects of the statutory skin cancer screening programme may have contributed to this.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Decreasing sunbed use in the German population between 2001 and 2015: survey in 155 679 working persons

Augustin

Schäfer

Reusch

et al. 2019

Acad Dermatol Venereol

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“…Indoor tanning is more frequent in sporty than non‐sporty individuals, in smokers than in non‐smokers, and in current than former smokers. 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 .…”

Section: Who Uses Sunbeds In Europementioning

confidence: 56%

“…Many European studies have clearly shown that the vast majority of indoor tanners are sun‐seekers. Sunbed users have reported more frequently than non‐users a number of sun‐seeking behaviours such as intentional sun exposure, especially at peak hours; sun protection habits, including sunscreen and sunglasses but not protective clothes; nudism; outdoor hobbies; intensive lifetime sun exposure; and multiple sunburns during life . These data suggest that sunbed users are likely to receive the highest possible cumulative dose of UV radiation during their lifetime.…”

Section: Who Uses Sunbeds In Europementioning

confidence: 96%

“…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 . These feelings are more likely to be experienced by young women, by far the most eager sunbed users.…”

Section: Why Europeans Use Sunbedsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Suppa

Gandini

Bulliard

et al. 2019

Acad Dermatol Venereol

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Although exposure to indoor tanning has been established as a clear risk factor for skin cancer, sunbeds are still commonly used in Europe. Understanding the determinants of sunbed use in Europe is key to plan educational interventions, behavioural strategies and legislative measures, which should be tailored to subgroups with different risk profiles. Evidences show that the typical sunbed users in Europe are young‐adult women, with intermediate skin type, a current employment and a medium/high socio‐economic status. Typical users display sun‐seeking behaviours and other risky behaviours such as smoking. Indoor tanning seems more common in northern than southern Europe. However, sunbed use remains common in fair‐skinned individuals and among adolescents/pre‐adolescents. Commonly reported reasons for sunbed use in Europe include aesthetic motives (i.e. looking attractive), the pursue of a prevacation tan, the influence of peers/parents engaging in the same habit, and the treatment of health conditions. The most commonly reported places to get an artificial tan in Europe are tanning studios and beauty salons. However, sunbeds are also available in sport venues, such as swimming pools and gyms, hotels and private houses. All these factors should be taken into account when planning educational, behavioural and legislative interventions to reduce the popularity of artificial tanning in Europe.

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“…However, it is our strong conviction that statements would improve when they are based on unambiguous exposure data. The large amount of uncertainty among the general public regarding UV exposure [78,79] underlines this need very strongly.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

UV “Indices”—What Do They Indicate?

Moshammer

Simic

Haluza

2016

IJERPH

Self Cite

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Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation covers the spectrum of wavelengths from 100 to 400 nm. The potency and biological activity for a variety of endpoints differ by wavelength. For monitoring and communication purposes, different UV action spectra have been developed. These spectra use different weighting functions. The action spectrum for erythemal dose is the most widely used one. This erythemal dose per time or dose-rate has been further simplified into a “UV index”. Following this example, in our review we use the term “index” or (plural) “indices” in a more general description for all simplified single-value measures for any biologically effective UV dose, e.g., for human non-melanoma skin cancer and for previtamin D production rate. Ongoing discussion about the existence of an increased melanoma risk due to UV-A exposure underscores the uncertainties inherent in current weighting functions. Thus, we performed an online literature search to review the data basis for these indices, to understand their relevance for an individual, and to assess the applicability of the indices for a range of exposure scenarios. Even for natural (solar) UV, the spectral composition varies spatially and temporally. Artificial UV sources and personal protection introduce further variation to the spectral composition. Many biological effects are proposed for UV radiation. Only few endpoints have been studied sufficiently to estimate a reliable index. Weighting functions for chronic effects and most importantly for cancer endpoints have been developed in animal models, and often for proxy endpoints only. Epidemiological studies on biological effects of UV radiation should not only depend on single-value weighted UV dose estimates (indexes) but should strive for a more detailed description of the individual exposure. A better understanding of the adverse and beneficial effects of UV radiation by wavelength would also improve medical counseling and health communication regarding individual health-supportive behavior.

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Sunbed Use Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Survey among Austrian Residents

Cited by 19 publications

References 56 publications

Decreasing sunbed use in the German population between 2001 and 2015: survey in 155 679 working persons

Decreasing sunbed use in the German population between 2001 and 2015: survey in 155 679 working persons

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

UV “Indices”—What Do They Indicate?

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