BACKGROUND:

Little is known about the prevalence of indoor tanning among the US general adult population.

OBJECTIVES:

This study sought to: (1) describe the prevalence of indoor tanning throughout adulthood; (2) identify demographic and psychosocial correlates of indoor tanning; and (3) determine whether these correlates vary by age group.

METHODS:

This study used data from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey, an annual health survey of the US adult population.

RESULTS:

Indoor tanning rates were higher among individuals who were young, white, and female. Rates of indoor tanning in the last year varied from 20.4% for those aged 18 to 29 years to 7.8% for those aged 65 years and older. A variety of demographic, health, and behavioral health risk factors correlated with indoor tanning.

LIMITATIONS:

The study design was cross-sectional and all data were self-reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

Health care providers should address indoor tanning as a health risk factor across the lifespan.