Decrease in artificial tanning by French teenagers: 2011 – 2016

Abstract

Background

The major risk factor is exposure to solar and artificial ultraviolet radiation, in particular during childhood and adolescence. In France a law was restricted tanning-bed access to adults (≥18 years) since 1997.

Objective

To evaluate teenagers' artificial tanning behaviour in 2016 and to compare results with those obtained in a similar survey performed in 2011.

Methods

The SOLADO 2011 and 2016 surveys were conducted in a general school in Antony and a technical school in Fontenay-aux-Roses (Paris suburb).

Results

In 2016, 630 teenagers (mean age: 14.2 ± 1.9 y: Males/Females: 301/329) completed the questionnaire, 1.3% of teenagers reported using tanning beds, 1.1% tanning pills, and 8.9% tanning creams. Between 2011 and 2016, the use of tanning beds decreased from 1.4% to 0.7% in Antony (p=0.26) and from 9.5% to 4.8% in Fontenay-aux-Roses (p=0.01), and the use of tanning creams from 39.8% to 17.6% in Fontenay-aux-Rose (p=0.0007). The incidence of sunburn decreased from 60.5% to 54.0% in Antony (p=0.02) and from 55.4% to 42.4% in Fontenay-aux-Roses (p=0.05).

Conclusion

As compared to 2011, teenagers used artificial tanning methods less frequently in 2016. In particular, they used tanning beds less frequently, suggesting that the new stricter legislation has been effective.

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