Teen Daughters and Their Mothers in Conversation: Identifying Opportunities for Enhancing Awareness of Risky Tanning Behaviors.

PURPOSE: 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.

METHODS

This study examined 22 interviews of adolescent girls and their mothers discussing topics related to sun protection and tanning behavior.

RESULTS

Qualitative analysis elicited four primary themes: (1) high rates of prior discussion about indoor tanning; (2) discussion of other risky behaviors that are considered more important than tanning; (3) a desire for increased knowledge of risky tanning behavior; and (4) change in tanning behavior with relevant life experience.

CONCLUSIONS

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.