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01-10-2021 | Skin Cancer | Original Paper

Sun Exposure, Tanning Behaviors, and Sunburn: Examining Activities Associated With Harmful Ultraviolet Radiation Exposures in College Students

Authors: Jennifer M. Bowers, Jada G. Hamilton, Marci Lobel, Peter A. Kanetsky, Jennifer L. Hay

Published in: Journal of Prevention | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Understanding the behaviors that lead to sunburn is an important objective toward developing intervention strategies to reduce risk for skin cancers. Our cross-sectional study surveyed 400 college students aged 18 and older at a public state university in the northeastern US in 2018 to assess tanning behaviors, outdoor activities, sun protection, and sunburn over the past year. Sunburn was exceedingly common; over half reported one or more sunburns in the past 12 months. Outdoor intentional and unintentional tanning were also common. Male sex, White race, sun sensitive skin type, and outdoor intentional and unintentional tanning were independently associated with increased odds of sunburn. Water and non-water sports, sunbathing, and vacations were also associated with sunburn. These results indicate that tanning and outdoor activities such as sports are important behaviors on which to focus for sunburn prevention among college students. Understanding the behaviors that are associated with sunburn provides useful opportunities to prevent skin cancer among young people.

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Title: Sun Exposure, Tanning Behaviors, and Sunburn: Examining Activities Associated With Harmful Ultraviolet Radiation Exposures in College Students
Authors: Jennifer M. Bowers
Jada G. Hamilton
Marci Lobel
Peter A. Kanetsky
Jennifer L. Hay
Publication date: 01-10-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Skin Cancer
Published in: Journal of Prevention / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 2731-5533
Electronic ISSN: 2731-5541
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-021-00638-z

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Sun Exposure, Tanning Behaviors, and Sunburn: Examining Activities Associated With Harmful Ultraviolet Radiation Exposures in College Students

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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