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SUNTANO
Times used tanning device, past 12 months
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SUNTANO is a 3-digit-numeric variable.

Codes

000: Never
053: 53+ times (top code in 2020-forward)
996: Not in Universe
997: Unknown-refused
998: Unknown-not ascertained
999: Unknown-don't know

Description

For sample adults, SUNTANO reports the number of times they used an indoor tanning device during the previous 12 months. Please see the Universe tab for changes to the universe over time.

Prior to 2020, the survey form defined an "indoor tanning device" as a "sunlamp, sunbed, or tanning booth." The question explicitly excluded spray-on tans.

 

According to the 2005 Field Representative's Manual, if a respondent reported that a sample child "used tanning devices 100 or more times in the past 12 months," the computer program for the survey would prompt the interviewer to verify this information. Specifically, in such cases, the interviewer was to ask, "Is it correct that (Sample Child's Name) used sun tanning devices (number of reported times) in the past 12 months?"

There is no such note in the 2010 and forward Manual.

For more information, please see SUN1HR.

Comparability

As noted, in 2005 and 2008 only sample children who had used an indoor tanning device during the past year (SUNTANUSE) were asked about the number of times such a device was used, while all sample adults were asked the question for SUNTANO. In 2010, 2013 and 2015, only sample adults who had used an indoor tanning device during the past year were asked about the number of times such a device was used. To achieve comparability across age groups, users should combine the categories "Not in universe (NIU)" (IPUMS NHIS code 996) and "none" (IPUMS NHIS code 0).

Additionally, while the basic meaning of this variable is completely comparable over time, major questionnaire changes introduced in 2019 may affect comparability with earlier years. The NHIS questionnaire was substantially redesigned in 2019 to introduce a different data collection structure and new content. For more information on changes in terminology, universes, and data collection methods beginning in 2019, please see the user note.

Universe

  • 2005; 2008: Sample children age 14-17 who have used an indoor tanning device in the past 12 months and sample adults age 18+.
  • 2010: Sample children age 14-17 and sample adults age 18+ who have used an indoor tanning device in the past 12 months .
  • 2013; 2015: Sample adults age 18+ who have used an indoor tanning device in the past 12 months.

Availability

  • 2005, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015

Weights