Use of the multi-theory model (MTM) in explaining initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students

• Published in: Archives of dermatological research Vol. 315; no. 2; pp. 191 - 199
• Main Authors: Wilkerson, Amanda H., Davis, Robert E., Sharma, Manoj, Harmon, Mallory B., McCowan, Hannah K., Mockbee, Chelsea S., Ford, M. Allison, Nahar, Vinayak K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.03.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: College students; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dermatology; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Melanoma; Melanoma - epidemiology; Melanoma - etiology; Melanoma - prevention & control; Original Paper; Public health; Risk factors; Skin cancer; Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology; Skin Neoplasms - etiology; Skin Neoplasms - prevention & control; Students; Sunbathing; Sustenance; Tanning; Ultraviolet radiation; Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects; United States - epidemiology; Young Adult; Young adults; United States; Indoor tanning; Young adults; MTM; Melanoma; College students; Multi-theory model; Skin cancer
• ISSN: 1432-069X; 0340-3696; 1432-069X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00403-022-02338-y

Skin cancer, including melanoma, is the most common cancer worldwide and a significant public health concern. A significant risk factor for melanoma is through increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation through the use of indoor tanning beds. Although rates of indoor tanning bed use have decreased in recent years, young adults, particularly White, college-age women, comprise the majority of indoor tanning bed users in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore and explain the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Data were collected from 254 college students who reported current indoor tanning use using a validated 46-item survey to assess demographics and the MTM constructs. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to determine the ability of the MTM constructs to predict the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation. For initiation of indoor tanning cessation, participatory dialogue: advantages ( B  = 0.038, p  = 0.001), behavioral confidence ( B  = 0.129, p  < 0.001) and changes in the physical environment ( B  = 0.088, p  < 0.001) were significantly associated with indoor tanning cessation following covariate adjustment. For sustenance, only emotional transformation ( B  = 0.140, p  < 0.001) demonstrated a significant relationship with indoor tanning cessation, following adjustment. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of the MTM in explaining indoor tanning cessation and designing intervention strategies and clinical recommendations to encourage indoor tanning cessation among college students.