The influence of parents and peers on adolescent indoor tanning behavior: Findings from a multi-city sample

BackgroundIndoor tanning is common among adolescents.ObjectiveOur purpose was to examine the influence of parents and peers on adolescent indoor tanning.MethodsTelephone interviews were conducted with 5274 teen-parent pairs in the 100 largest US cities. Random coefficient regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between parental and peer factors and adolescent indoor tanning.ResultsTeens' report of whether their parents allow them to tan indoors was the strongest predictor (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.6), whereas parents' modeling (aOR: 1.2), attitudes (aOR: 1.1), and concern about teen tanning (aOR: 1.9) were significantly but less strongly associated. Teens thinking most of their peers like to be tan (aOR: 1.7) and perceived percentage of peers who tan indoors (aOR: 1.0) also were significantly associated.LimitationsThe cross-sectional design was a limitation of this study.ConclusionInterventions targeting adolescent indoor tanning should address both family- and peer-related factors.