Open AccessDoes University Selection and Geographical Region of Birth Influence Tanning Behaviors, Tanning Beliefs, and Sunscreen Barriers?
Author(s) -
Michael S. Dunn
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
american journal of health studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1945-4511
pISSN - 1090-0500
DOI - 10.47779/ajhs.2014.216
Subject(s) - sun protection , sunbathing , psychology , environmental health , medicine , geography , dermatology
The purpose of this study was to assess whether: (1) region of the U.S. influences tanning behaviors and beliefs, and sunscreen barriers; and (2) selecting one’s university based on being near the beach influences tanning behaviors and beliefs, and sunscreen barriers. Participants consisted of 632 white undergraduate students at one mid-sized state university in a southeastern U.S. beach resort town. Students who participated completed an electronic survey. Results showed that compared to all other regions, a greater percentage of students from the Northeast reported spending 2+ hours in the sun intentionally tanning. Additionally, more students from the Northeast indicated that they looked more attractive and felt good about themselves with a tan. A greater percentage of students who selected the university based on the beach spent 2+ hours intentionally tanning and fewer of those students used the recommended SPF sunscreen.