UV light abuse and high-risk tanning behavior among undergraduate college students.

Abstract

The failure of skin cancer prevention efforts to alter tanning behaviors may be a result of the addictive nature of UV light. This study attempts to determine the prevalence of UV light substance-related disorder (SRD). A survey was administered to undergraduate college students. The cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener questionnaire was used to determine existence of SRD. Of 385 respondents, 12% scored positively on the cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener indicating SRD. Women, indoor tanners, students with tanning family and friends, and frequent tanners were significantly more likely than their peers to score positively. The small size is a limitation of this study as results may not be generalizable to larger populations. There also may be self-report bias. A significant proportion of college students demonstrate evidence of SRD with respect to UV light.