Evaluation of the Lodz — high school students knowledge of the tattoo and piercing — induced complications

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays the importance of appearance in interpersonal relations is increasing. Body cult is promoted in media and by advertisement business. Many different methods of body decorating, so called „body art”, are becoming more and more popular, especially among youth. Awareness of tattoo- and piercing-induced complications affects the choice of undergoing these procedures. The aim of the study was to assesses the knowledge of consequences of tattoos and piercing among first- second- and third-year students educated in six high schools in Lodz.

Material and methods: 287 people were enrolled to the study There were 102 male and 185 female. Anonymous questionnaire sheets containing 12 questions were collected. Questions were divided into four major parts: metrical (2), information (2), one-choice (6), multi-choice (2).

Results: 3.5% of students had tattoo, 56% had ear-ring or piercing in other localization. 80.5% answered, that complications may occur after tattooing, 79.8% confirmed that complications after piercing are possible. Unfortunately, 28,2% of students were not aware that tattoo and piercing procedures may cause infection.

Conclusions: The knowledge of tattoo and piercing- induced complications among youth is insufficient. Education programs and campaigns concerning the risk of health problems which are connected with body modifications should be introduced.