Joshua Fogel1, Faye Krausz. 1. Department of Finance and Business Management, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, USA. joshua.fogel@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation exposure through natural sunlight or tanning lamps is a risk factor for skin cancer. OBJECTIVE: As the media can influence behavior, we studied whether watching reality television (TV) beauty shows is associated with tanning lamp use or outdoor tanning. METHODS: College students (n = 576) were surveyed on their reality TV beauty show watching, their use of tanning lamps, and outdoor tanning behavior. We asked media attitude questions about connectivity with reality TV shows and Internet use of Facebook to discuss reality TV shows. RESULTS: Those who did versus did not watch reality TV beauty shows used tanning lamps (12.9% vs 3.7%, P < .001) and tanned outdoors (43.3% vs 28.7%, P < .001) at significantly greater percentages. Significant predictors of tanning lamp use included watching reality TV beauty shows (odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-6.00), increasing age (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.32), and female sex (OR 10.16, 95% CI 3.29-31.41). Significant predictors of outdoor tanning included watching reality TV beauty shows (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.33-3.34). LIMITATIONS: The specific names of the reality TV beauty shows watched were not obtained and therefore we cannot determine if particular shows were more or less associated with this behavior. CONCLUSION: Watching reality TV beauty shows is associated with both tanning lamp use and outdoor tanning. Dermatologists should consider discussing the potential harmful aspects of tanning beds and outdoor tanning, especially with their patients who watch reality TV beauty shows.
BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation exposure through natural sunlight or tanning lamps is a risk factor for skin cancer. OBJECTIVE: As the media can influence behavior, we studied whether watching reality television (TV) beauty shows is associated with tanning lamp use or outdoor tanning. METHODS: College students (n = 576) were surveyed on their reality TV beauty show watching, their use of tanning lamps, and outdoor tanning behavior. We asked media attitude questions about connectivity with reality TV shows and Internet use of Facebook to discuss reality TV shows. RESULTS: Those who did versus did not watch reality TV beauty shows used tanning lamps (12.9% vs 3.7%, P < .001) and tanned outdoors (43.3% vs 28.7%, P < .001) at significantly greater percentages. Significant predictors of tanning lamp use included watching reality TV beauty shows (odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-6.00), increasing age (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.32), and female sex (OR 10.16, 95% CI 3.29-31.41). Significant predictors of outdoor tanning included watching reality TV beauty shows (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.33-3.34). LIMITATIONS: The specific names of the reality TV beauty shows watched were not obtained and therefore we cannot determine if particular shows were more or less associated with this behavior. CONCLUSION: Watching reality TV beauty shows is associated with both tanning lamp use and outdoor tanning. Dermatologists should consider discussing the potential harmful aspects of tanning beds and outdoor tanning, especially with their patients who watch reality TV beauty shows.
Authors: Jennifer L Hay; Alan C Geller; Maria Schoenhammer; Mallorie Gordon; Marilyn Bishop; Elyse Shuk; Susan Oliveria; Allan C Halpern Journal: J Health Psychol Date: 2014-10-15
Authors: Mackenzie R Wehner; Mary-Margaret Chren; Danielle Nameth; Aditi Choudhry; Matthew Gaskins; Kevin T Nead; W John Boscardin; Eleni Linos Journal: JAMA Dermatol Date: 2014-04 Impact factor: 10.282
Authors: Casey L Daniel; Natalie R Gassman; Alyssa M Fernandez; Sejong Bae; Marcus C B Tan Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2018-04-03 Impact factor: 3.295