Use of Indoor Tanning Devices by High School Students in the United States, 2009
2011

Indoor Tanning Use Among High School Students in the US

Sample size: 16410 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Guy Gery P. Jr, Tai Eric, Richardson Lisa C.

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of indoor tanning device use among US high school students?

Conclusion

Indoor tanning device use is common among US high school students, with significant variation by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

Supporting Evidence

  • 15.6% of students used an indoor tanning device at least once in the past year.
  • 49.1% of those who used tanning devices did so 10 or more times.
  • Use varied significantly by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.

Takeaway

Many high school students in the US use tanning beds, which can be harmful to their skin. We need to find ways to help them avoid tanning.

Methodology

Data was collected from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey using a self-administered questionnaire with a nationally representative sample of high school students.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data may lead to misreporting of indoor tanning device use.

Limitations

The study results may not represent all youths as it only includes high school students, and the data relies on self-reported use of tanning devices.

Participant Demographics

Participants included public and private high school students in grades 9 through 12, with adjustments for sex, race/ethnicity, and grade.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

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