Indoor tanning information on the internet: A content analysis of related websites

Objective: The purpose of the current research is to describe the content of both anti- and pro- indoor tanning (IT) websites.

Methods: We examined the first 30 websites returned by 3 popular search engines using the search terms “tanning beds” and “tanning salons”. Two coders independently evaluated websites using an a priori coding scheme. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. We excluded websites that were duplicates, contained only links, or were message boards (33%). Preliminary results suggest good inter-rater reliability.

Results: Approximately 5 in 6 evaluated websites promoted IT use (pro-IT). Among pro-IT websites, 40% presented false information including the suggestion that scientific studies have not linked IT with skin cancer (16%). Risks of IT were rarely mentioned with the exception of the promotion of goggle use (50%) and warnings for those with sensitive skin types (27%). Less than 10% of websites included comprehensive safety guidelines. Nearly all of the anti-IT websites presented information about several risks. Common IT misconceptions were addressed by 40% of anti-IT websites. In general, information regarding specific strategies to reduce IT use was not common. Additional descriptive information regarding specific information on websites will be presented.

Conclusions: Interventions should contain information that confronts and discounts information presented by IT promoting websites. Websites designed to discourage IT use should consider including specific strategies for reducing IT use.