Acculturation, Sun Tanning Behavior, and Tanning Attitudes Among Asian College Students in the Northeastern USA

Background College students participate in high levels of tanning, a skin cancer risk behavior due to ultraviolet radiation exposure, yet little is known about Asian college students’ behavior. This study examined the relationship between tanning attitudes, acculturation to the USA (cultural assimil...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of behavioral medicine 2022-02, Vol.29 (1), p.25-35
Main Authors: Bowers, Jennifer M., Hamilton, Jada G., Wu, Yelena P., Moyer, Anne, Hay, Jennifer L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acculturation
Attitudes
College students
Family Medicine
Full Length Manuscript
General Practice
Health Behavior
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Psychology
Humans
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Population studies
Skin cancer
Skin Neoplasms - prevention & control
Students
Sunbathing
Sunburn & sun tanning
Sunscreening Agents
Tanning
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet Rays
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Summary:Background College students participate in high levels of tanning, a skin cancer risk behavior due to ultraviolet radiation exposure, yet little is known about Asian college students’ behavior. This study examined the relationship between tanning attitudes, acculturation to the USA (cultural assimilation), and tanning behavior. Method An online survey was used to recruit 211 Asian college students in the northeastern USA (47.4% born outside of the USA) to respond to questions about recent tanning behavior, sun protection strategies, attitudes about tanning, and acculturation to the USA. Results Attitudes about tanning, particularly desire for a darker skin tone and social norms, along with acculturation to the USA, were predictive of intentional tanning. The sample reported high levels of sun protection, which was associated with low acculturation. Conclusion The significant role of acculturation in this study indicates that it may be a useful factor to include in future tanning intervention studies of relevant populations.
ISSN:1070-5503
1532-7558
DOI:10.1007/s12529-021-09993-x