Does University Selection and Geographical Region of Birth Influence Tanning Behaviors, Tanning Beliefs, and Sunscreen Barriers?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess whether: (1) region of the U.S. influences tanning behaviors and beliefs, and sunscreen barriers; and (2) selecting one’s university based on being near the beach influences tanning behaviors and beliefs, and sunscreen barriers. Participants consisted of 632 white undergraduate students at one mid-sized state university in a southeastern U.S. beach resort town. Students who participated completed an electronic survey. Results showed that compared to all other regions, a greater percentage of students from the Northeast reported spending 2+ hours in the sun intentionally tanning. Additionally, more students from the Northeast indicated that they looked more attractive and felt good about themselves with a tan. A greater percentage of students who selected the university based on the beach spent 2+ hours intentionally tanning and fewer of those students used the recommended SPF sunscreen.