Contextual factors, indoor tanning, and tanning dependence in young women

Objectives: To investigate the association of contextual factors such as cost, tanning accessibility, regulations, or marketing and indoor tanning or tanning dependence. Methods: One hundred thirty-nine college-aged female indoor tanners completed a questionnaire between 2009 and 2011. Results: Higher scores on tanning dependence and assessment in the spring/summer (versus the fall/winter) were associated with more frequent indoor tanning in the last 30 days (ps < .05). More frequent indoor tanning, greater session length, and more trouble paying for tanning were associated with higher scores on tanning dependence (ps < .05). Conclusions: Public health research and practice could benefit from attention to such contextual factors as tanning cost and regulations regarding session length.