Prevalence and determinants of sunbed use in thirty European countries: data from the Euromelanoma skin cancer prevention campaign

• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15311
• Publication Date: 2019-02-27T15:49:08Z
• Authors: M. Suppa; S. Gandini; H. Njimi; J.L. Bulliard; O. Correia; A.F. Duarte; K. Peris; A.J. Stratigos; E. Nagore; M.I. Longo; M. Bylaite‐Bucins...; R. Karls; H. Helppikangas; ; V. del Marmol
• Keywords: Demographics

Although considered as a first-group carcinogen, indoor tanning is common practice in Europe. Euromelanoma pan-European skin cancer prevention campaign.To compare several European countries terms of the prevalence and determinants sunbed use.Participants campaigns filled questionnaires containing demographics risk factors, including type/duration use. Multivariate analyses adjusted for age, gender, education, type year survey were employed to assess factors independently associated with use each country.In total, 227 888 individuals (67.4% females, median age 44, 63.4% highly educated, 71.9% types III-VI) from 30 participated. Overall, ever was 10.6% (≤19-year-olds: 5.9%; 20 35-year-olds: 17.0%; >35-year-olds: 8.3%). Females displayed higher than males all countries. Balkan highest female/male ratios (≥4). Sunbed significantly more prevalent among III-VI (14/30 countries) educated participants (11/30 countries). Significant correlations found between countries' latitude (P < 0.001) sunshine = 0.002); Italy Spain represented exceptions towards excessive exposure. Very different rates (19.3%) Portugal (2.0%). Scandinavian ranked ≤19-year-olds, Baltic 35-year-olds.Sunbed northern, sun-deprived countries, exception Spain. The main (young adults) gender (females), whereas education had less relevant effect. Geographic particularities four regions: Iberian (prevalence ten times Portugal), disproportionately women), (highest young adolescents). These data have public health relevance future interventions aimed at reducing