A web-based intervention that taps into indoor tanning users’ perceptions about the value of tanning may help curb tanning bed use among young females, suggests research out of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick.

Research has shown that some indoor tanners do so to look attractive and healthy. The new web-based intervention contained psychoeducational content and thought exercises designed to encourage participants to address their beliefs and values on indoor tanning in relation to their body image and influences from media and peers. Identifying a goal and a plan to change indoor tanning behavior was also addressed, and participants were encouraged to list best personal attributes to combat negative body image. Participants also were asked to consider alternative appearance behaviors that could be used instead of engaging in indoor tanning.

The research, which appears in the current online edition of Health Psychology, looked at 186 young women (mean age 20) from Rutgers University who reported engaging in indoor tanning at least once in the previous year. Participants were randomized into two groups. One was asked to complete a baseline assessment, followed two weeks later by a viewing and evaluation of the online intervention, then a follow-up assessment six weeks after the intervention. The control group did not view the online intervention after they completed the baseline assessment and follow-up assessment. All assessments were completed between December 2013 and May 2014.

Overall, participants provided favorable ratings on all aspects of the intervention and the mean overall rating of the intervention was an 8.5 (with 10 being the most favorable response option).

In the follow-up assessment, participants were asked about their indoor tanning behavior since the prior assessment as well as how likely they were to use indoor tanning in the next year. Participants also were asked to rate the online intervention overall based on four aspects: interesting, understandable, useful and positive – and were asked if they would recommend the intervention to a friend if publicly available.

A majority of participants (81 percent) indicated they would recommend the intervention to a friend. Participants that engaged in the intervention were more likely to report not using indoor tanning following the initial assessment as well as reported a lower intention of using indoor tanning in the future compared to those in the control group.

The authors note there were limitations to the study, including self-reporting of indoor tanning behavior, which may have prompted intervention participants to respond more favorably to appease researchers. They note future research should also address how the intervention works for subgroups of indoor tanners and also to examine whether intervention efficacy differs based on the level of risk knowledge participants have prior to taking part in an intervention.