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Jo Ellen Stryker, PhD¹, Amy L. Yaroch, PhD², Audie A. Atienza, PhD², Richard Moser, PhD³, and Karen Glanz, PhD, MPH¹. (1) Department of Behavioral Sciences & Health Education, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, 4047129518, jestryk@sph.emory.edu, (2) Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Health Promotion Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Room 4074/MSC 7335, Bethesda, MD 20892, (3) Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Behavioral Research Program, 6130 Executive Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892

In recent years, sunless tanning products have become increasingly popular. Although considered safe to use, there are concerns that users of these products may be increasing their exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation, in the form of sun exposure or ultraviolet indoor tanning devices. These issues were examined using the 2005 National Cancer Institute s Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data (N = 5,394). Respondents were characterized into 4 groups: 1) exclusive sunless tanners (7.7%), 3) exclusive indoor tanners (4.5%), 3) combination tanners, who utilized both indoor and sunless tanning products (2.6%); and non-tanners, who utilized neither tanning products (89.7%) The four groups are described based on demographic variables and sun protection practices, including the use of sunscreen; shade-seeking; hats; long shirts; and long pants. There was a consistent pattern in sun protection practices across the four tanning groups, with the exception of sunscreen use (though not all differences were statistically significant). Non-tanners were the most likely to perform other sun protection behaviors such as wearing clothing, but the least likely to use sunscreen. Exclusive sunless tanners were most likely to use sunscreen and were closer to non-tanners with respect to other sun protection practices than indoor tanners. The results suggest that both sunless and indoor tanners use sunscreen potentially to prevent burning and enhance a tan; however exclusive users of sunless tanning products seem to practice more sun protection than indoor tanners. Sunless and indoor tanners may be distinct subgroups that warrant further attention and possibly tailored research efforts.

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