Teen daughters and their mothers in conversation: Identifying opportunities for enhancing awareness of risky tanning behaviors

摘要

The incidence of melanoma has been increasing dramatically among teenage and young adult women over the past several decades. Despite a causal link between ultraviolet light exposure and melanoma, a significant proportion of young women intentionally tan. Furthermore, we know very little about the family’s role in melanoma-related risk practices. Consequently, this study examined twenty-two interviews of adolescent girls and their mothers discussing topics related to sun protection and tanning behavior. Qualitative analysis elicited four primary themes: () high rates of prior discussion about indoor tanning, () discussion of other risky behaviors that are considered more important than tanning, () a desire for increased knowledge of risky tanning behavior, and () change in tanning behavior with relevant life experience. Results emphasize the value of educational interventions designed to raise melanoma-related risk awareness, and suggest the potential benefit of improving knowledge maintenance and family engagement through information sharing.