Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Tanning and exposure to ultraviolet radiation is an important risk factor for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer and it is wide practice in developed countries. Aims &
Objective: To study the prevalence of tanning behaviour among young female in Makkah, Saudi Arabia and the extent of their awareness of tanning habit.
Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was carried out from 9 Feb 2013 until 22 June 2013 among 1000 female adolescents aged 14-23 years in Makkah shopping centers, secondary and intermediate female schools and medical and non-medical universities.
Results: We found that 20.2 % of respondents reported tanning their skin. Most of our population (89.1%) is willing to stop tanning if the practice proves dangerous for their health. 60.2% of them feel should cut down on their tanning habit and 66.2% have heard that tanning behaviour is dangerous or unhealthy. Conclusion: Tanning use is prevalent among young female in Makkah region. However, they are aware about the dangerous of tanning behaviour.