19th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Tanning Habits and Consideration of Alternative Tanning Methods of Rural, Northeast Missouri Youth
Christina M. Degenhardt* and Sarah Shelton
Dr. Carol Cox, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was two fold. First, the purpose was to discover whether high school students were willing to use other methods of artificial tanning. Second, we wished to evaluate the students tanning behaviors and knowledge. A random sample of 316 students in grades nine through 12 from three school districts were administered the “Youth Tanning Behavior Survey.” Results showed that most students who tan do so in the sun or a tanning bed without the use of sunscreen. A majority of youth would at least consider using the spray on tanning which has no risk of causing skin cancer. Since Missouri youth are engaging in many risky health behaviors at rates higher than the national average, and the majority of youth still practice the risky behavior of sunbathing, they are an important target population to study. It was determined that survey participants are receptive to healthier alternatives to tanning beds and sunbathing, interventions can possibly be created to persuade tanning salon owners to provide the alternative products to their customers.
Keywords: Tanning, Rural, Missouri, Alternative Tanning , Tanning Habits, Adolescents, Tanning Perceptions
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 60-38
Location: OP Lobby and Atrium
Time: 4:15