Casting shadows on the prevalence of tanning dependence: An assessment of mCAGE criteria

Schneider S, Schirmbeck F, Bock C, Greinert R, Breitbart EW, Diehl K (2015)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Journal

Acta Dermato-Venereologica Society for Publication of Acta Dermato-Venereologica

Book Volume: 95

Pages Range: 162-168

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.2340/00015555-1907

Abstract

Recently, more and more studies have reported high prevalence rates for a ‘tanning dependence’ among tanning bed users. The authors of these studies base their argumentation on a modified (m) version of the CAGE (Cutdown, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye-opener) Criteria, initially used for alcohol addiction. By means of cognitive interviews and a large population survey, we tested the validity of the mCAGE Criteria and the above-mentioned prevalence that was deduced on the basis of rather small collectives. Firstly, it seems that the mCAGE Criteria wording used so far is inconsistent, misleading and intrinsically invalid. Secondly, our population-based data show a much lower percentage (15%) of current sunbed users with potential dependence symptoms than the above-mentioned previously published studies. Thirdly, the usage parameters for most of the supposed ‘addicts’ do not indicate a substance addiction: 38% of the users with positive scores reported not having visited a tanning studio at all in the previous month, 39% did not use sunbeds regularly and 89% did not show signs of tolerance to UV radiation. The mCAGE Criteria do not seem suitable for assessing tanning dependence.

Authors with CRIS profile

Katharina Diehl

Involved external institutions

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg DE Germany (DE) University of Amsterdam NL Netherlands (NL) Elbe Kliniken Stade-Buxtehude DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Schneider, S., Schirmbeck, F., Bock, C., Greinert, R., Breitbart, E.W., & Diehl, K. (2015). Casting shadows on the prevalence of tanning dependence: An assessment of mCAGE criteria. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 95(2), 162-168. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1907

MLA:

Schneider, Sven, et al. "Casting shadows on the prevalence of tanning dependence: An assessment of mCAGE criteria." Acta Dermato-Venereologica 95.2 (2015): 162-168.

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