Young women continue using tanning beds despite being aware of health risks

A survey of young women, who use tanning beds, found that despite being aware of the health risks associated with indoor tanning, they continue to take part in the activity.

The study, co-authored by UNC Lineberger members Seth M. Noar, PhD, of the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Nancy Thomas, MD, of the UNC School of Medicine, aimed to understand what motivates young people to seek out tanning beds and how to develop messages to discourage their use among young people.

In executing their survey, the researchers surveyed a population they believed were likely to be tanning bed users - members of college sororities.

Results from the survey found that 45 percent of the young women surveyed had used tanning beds, with 30 percent using one in the last year.

One of the more striking findings from the study - most who use tanning beds were aware of the health risks but did so anyway. Dr. Noar said this suggests that message designers will have to be very strategic in creating

The study has been published in JAMA Dermatology.