Tattooing among Iranian prisoners: results of the two national biobehavioral surveillance surveys in 2015-2016

Abstract Background: Tattooing is among identified risk factor for blood-borne diseases. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of tattooing during lifetime and in prisons and its related factors among Iranian prisoners. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The required data was obtained from hepatitis B and C surveillance surveys in prisons in 2015-2016 that was collected through face-to-face interview. 12,800 prisoners were selected by multi-stage random sampling from 55 prisons of 19 provinces in Iran. Weighted prevalence and associated factors (using Chi-Square test and multivariate logistic regression) were determined by Stata/SE 14.0 survey package. Results: Out of 12,800 prisioners, 11,988 participated in the study (93.6% participation rate). The prevalence of tattooing in lifetime and in prisons was 44.7% and 31.1% respectively. The prevalence of tattooing during lifetime was significantly associated with age < 35 years, being single, illiteracy, history of imprisonment, drug use, piercing during lifetime, extramarital sex and history of STI; the prevalence of tattooing in prison had a significant association with history of imprisonment, drug use, piercing in prison, and history of extramarital sex (p < 0.05). Study limitations: Information and selection bias was one of the study limitations. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of tattooing during lifetime and in prison among prisoners was significantly high especially in high-risk groups such as drug users and sexually active subjects. Given the role of tattooing, drug injection and sex in the transmission of blood-borne diseases, harm reduction programs are recommended to reduce these high-risk behaviors in prisons.

Body modification in Germany: prevalence, gender differences and attitude towards cosmetic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The most popular body modifications are tattoos and piercings and their prevalence has increased in recent years. The current study gathered statistics regarding tattoing, piercing and body-hair removal, differentiated by gender and attitude towards cosmetic surgery. METHODS: The study was based on 2512 individuals and was performed as a population-based survey with the assistance of a demographic consulting company. In addition to sociodemographic questions, specific issues concerning body modification were asked. RESULTS: Men get tattoos more frequently while women more often choose piercings and body hair removal. Women are catching up in the tattoo department and one can no longer observe age differentiations among the younger age groups. Instead there is a decrease in piercings among men. Body hair removal is widespread above all women. People with body modifications tend to be more open-minded about cosmetic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Tattoos and piercings continue to be the most popular body modification among young adults. The number engaged in tattooing is rising while piercings are still popular among women. Individuals being engaged in body modification are prone to consider cosmetic surgery procedures.

Pierced identities: Body modification, borderline personality features, identity, and self-concept disturbances.

Little is known about the connection between body modification and borderline personality disorder (BPD). This study investigated the relation between a wide range of body modification practices (piercing, tattooing, scarification, pubic hair removal, and cosmetic surgery) and BPD features, with a special focus on identity and identity dysfunction, in an adult community sample (N = 330). Results indicated BPD features were positively correlated with total number of body modifications and breadth of body modification practices endorsed, as well as, specifically, increased piercings, tattoos, and scarifications. Furthermore, identity problems (i.e., identity diffusion and low self-concept clarity) were associated with body modifications. Implications of these findings are discussed, including their heuristic value in understanding body modification in light of its connection to BPD (and particularly identity/self-concept functions). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Body Piercing: A National Survey in France.

BACKGROUND: There are no recent data available in France regarding body piercing (BP). OBJECTIVE: We examined the demographics, motivations, quality of life, cutaneous conditions, and cutaneous side effects after BP within the French population. METHODS: A representative sample of 5,000 individuals (aged 15 and over) from the general population responded to a survey online between April and August 2017. Data regarding demographics, BP characteristics (location, age at first piercing, hesitation, regrets, motivations, cutaneous side effects), tobacco, skin conditions (acne, contact eczema, atopic eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, vitiligo), and tattoos were collected. Respondents also filled an SF-12 quality of life questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 12% of the respondents reported at least one BP (women: 19.4%, men: 8.4%, p < 0.01). The prevalence was highest among those aged between 25 and 34 years (25.8%). Individuals with BP were more likely to smoke (p < 0.01). The most common body parts for piercings were the external part of the ear (42%), the navel (24%), the tongue (15%), and the nose (11%). Gender differences included localization (belly button and nose for women, eyebrows for men) and motivations (embellishment of the body for women, individuality and sexuality for men). A total of 33.6% of the study participants reported having skin problems after BP, primarily infection (44%). Individuals with BPs were more likely to report having contact eczema, atopic dermatitis, and acne. BP was associated with a lower mental quality of life score. CONCLUSION: This is the largest epidemiological study on BP in France to date. It allows us to draw a precise current snapshot of French indi viduals with BP.

Prevalence of contact allergy to metals in the European general population with a focus on nickel and piercings: The EDEN Fragrance Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on sensitization to metals in the general population are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of sensitization to metals in the general population, and factors associated with nickel sensitization. METHODS: In 5 European countries (The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Sweden), a random sample (N = 3119) from the general population (aged 18-74 years) was patch tested and interviewed by use of a questionnaire on exposure to metals, piercing, and jewellery. RESULTS: Overall, the age-standardized prevalences of sensitization to nickel, cobalt and chromium were, respectively, 14.5%, 2.1%, and 0.8%. The highest prevalence of nickel sensitization was seen in Portugal (18.5%) and the lowest (8.3%) in Sweden. The prevalence of cobalt sensitization varied between 3.8% (The Netherlands) and 0.9% (Italy), and the prevalence of chromium sensitization varied between 1.3% (Portugal) and 0.2% (Sweden). Significant associations were observed between nickel allergy and female sex (odds ratio [OR] 5.19; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 3.99-6.74), past piercing use (OR 3.86; 95%CI: 2.85-5.24), and currently having ≥3 piercings (OR 5.58; 95%CI: 4.02-7.76). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sensitization to metals in the European general population was high, mostly because of nickel. The lowest prevalence of contact allergy to nickel and chromium observed in Sweden supports the effectiveness of long-standing regulation.

El fenómeno piercing en Uruguay: aspectos patológicos y socioculturales / Piercing phenomenon in Uruguay: pathological and sociocultural aspects

El piercing se exterioriza como una práctica intrínsecamente vinculada a la conformación de las diversas organizaciones colectivas humanas. Numerosos autores han tipificado las lesiones orgánicas acaecidas por su utilización, pero no así, el marco sociocultural en el que se encuadran. Objetivos: este estudio buscó analizar los alcances patológicos y socioculturales concernientes al uso de piercing,en una muestra uruguaya. Metodología: consistió en la aplicación de un cuestionario, con 26 preguntas estructuradas y abiertas, a los estudiantes de un instituto de educación media de la ciudad de Rivera, Uruguay. Resultados: 21 (40.38%) de los 52 poseedores depiercings padecieron complicaciones provenientes de su uso, en tanto que 24 (46.15%), 26 (50%) y 14 (58.33% de los que trabajaban),respectivamente, no notaron reacciones sociales, familiares ni laborales. Conclusiones: trátase de un comportamiento potencialmenteriesgoso, a pesar de que en esta oportunidad, la totalidad de las alteraciones se topografió localmente, la mayoría de los usuarios realizabadeportes y un porcentaje significante de ellos, no advirtió ninguna repercusión en su vida cotidiana.

Piercing is externalized as a practice intrinsically linked to the construction of diverse human collective organizations. Numerous authorshave typified organic lesions occurred by its use, but not sociocultural framework that characterize it. Objectives: the aim of this paperwas to analyse pathological and sociocultural scopes concerning the use of piercing in a Uruguayan sample. Methods: the research wasdeveloped by applying a questionnaire with 26 structured and open questions, answered by students of a secondary education institute of the city of Rivera, Uruguay. Results: 21 (40.38%) of the 52 pierced individuals suffered complications from its use, while 24 (46.15%),26 (50%) and 14 (58.33% of those who worked), respectively did not notice social, family or employment impacts. Conclusions: piercingis a potentially risky behaviour, although in this opportunity all alterations were locally situated, most users performed sports, and asignificant percentage of them did not point out no repercussion on their daily life.

Comparison of risk-taking behaviour and frequency of piercing and tattooing among university students.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of piercing and tattooing among university students and to determine the extent of risk-taking behaviour in this age group. METHODS: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a university in Istanbul, Turkey, from December 2009 to February 2010. Data was obtained from students through a questionnaire. SPSS 20 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1303 subjects, 838(64.3%) were girls. The overall mean age of the sample was 21.7±1.9 years. A total of 107 (8.2%) had piercings and 56(4.3%) had tattoos. It was seen that young people who had piercings and tattoos were significantly more likely (p<0.05) to exhibit certain types of risk behaviour including smoking, alcohol, substance abuse, extreme sports, carrying switchblades/knives, unprotected sexuality and having multiple sex partners. CONCLUSIONS: In the face of the steadily increasing fads of piercing and tattooing among the youth, families, teachers and health professionals need to be constantly on the alert.

Piercings in medical students and their effects on the skin

BACKGROUND: Piercings are body embellishments commonly seen in young people, however their inherent risk of infection and scarring disorders are less divulged. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of body piercings among medical students and their possible dermatologic consequences. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 58 medical students, by means of a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, technical issues related to the piercing and characteristics of the dermatologic complications. RESULTS: The sample was predominantly female (86.2%), with mean age 24 ± 3 years. The placement of the first piercing occurred during adolescence (median age 15), without medical supervision (91.4%) or knowledge of parents/guardians (74%). Most piercings were made of metal alloy/stainless steel, in a dumbbell model (51.7%), inserted in the umbilical area (53.5%) or ear (41.4%), with frequent cutaneous reactions in the first six months post-piercing. Hypertrophic scarring, pain, swelling and infection (p<0.05) had significantly higher frequencies among those with navel piercings. CONCLUSION: Piercing insertion occurred during adolescence. Local inflammatory and infectious reactions were common. Scarring disorders and dermatitis appeared in the long term. There is need for preventive and educational activities, starting with those in the academic environment. .

Tattoo, piercing, and adolescent tobacco consumption.

UNLABELLED: Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the link between tattoos and/or piercings and young people's tobacco consumption. METHODS: A total of 2587 students (1168 females and 1419 males) were asked about tattoos, piercings, and tobacco consumption. RESULTS: Young men and young girls who had tattoos and/or wore piercings were more likely to report smoking behavior, earlier smoking behavior, and higher cigarette consumption per day. It was also found that both with men and women, the combined effects of piercings and tattoos were associated with an increase in smoking behavior. CONCLUSION: Piercings and/or tattoos as well as combined piercings and tattoos appeared as markers of tobacco consumption. Such marks could serve as signs for educators, parents, and physicians.

Body art practices and health risks: young adults' knowledge in two regions of southern Italy.

BACKGROUND: In the past several decades the number of individuals, particularly young adults, acquiring body art has increased very seriously in occidental society. In order to verify young adults' practices and knowledge of the risks related to body art, an investigation was conducted among university freshmen in Bari (Apulia Region) and Naples (Campania Region), both in Southern Italy. METHODS: The study was carried out during the period 2008-2010 through an anonymous questionnaire distributed to 3,868 people selected among 26 Degree Courses of the University of Bari and Naples Parthenope. The two regional samples were matched for age and sex. RESULTS: On the whole, 84.4% declare to know the infectious risks associated with body art practices, but only 4.1% of them correctly identified the infectious diseases which can be transmitted through these procedures; while 59.2% of the sample declared that non-infectious diseases can occur after a tattoo or a piercing, but only 5.4% of them correctly identified allergies, cysts, bleeding and scars. The possible occurrence of infectious and non-infectious diseases has been acknowledged by most students in Apulia region (89.7 versus 79.1% and 64.8 versus 53.6% respectively). In this Region, of the 1,001 (32.4%) pierced and 597 (19.8%) tattooed youths 23.4% reported complications. Campania region youths reported a greater number of complications than Apulia did (30.3 versus 13.1%) and they also purchased more frequently their tattoos or piercings in unauthorized facilities (35.3% versus 15.9%). CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the knowledge of health risks associated to body art, it has been registered a higher awareness of infectious than non-infectious diseases. Information about freshmen's knowledge and practices could help in effective planning of health promotion strategies.

[Association between tattoos, piercings and risk behaviors in adolescents]. / Asociación entre tatuajes, perforaciones y conductas de riesgo en adolescentes.

BACKGROUND: The use of tattoos and piercings has increased, especially among adolescents in the last decades. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of these behaviors in adolescents and their association with risk behaviors such as alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use and sexual promiscuity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous and confidential survey about tattooing and piercings was applied to randomly selected high school teenagers, attending municipal, private-subsidized and private schools, in four sectors of Santiago (north-east, south-east, north-west, south-west). RESULTS: The surveys were answered by 1329 participants with a mean age of 15 years (62% women) from 9 schools in Santiago. The prevalence of tattoos was 1.7% (confidence intervals (CI) 1.1% to 2.5%). The figure for piercings was 30.6% (CI 28.2 to 33.1%). A higher prevalence of tattooing and piercings was observed in groups with a history of psychiatric disorders, criminal records, alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug consumption and initiation of sexual activity (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that tattoos and piercings are indicators of adolescent risk behaviors.

Nickel allergy in relation to piercing and orthodontic appliances--a population study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown conflicting results on the association between nickel exposure from orthodontic appliances and nickel sensitization. OBJECTIVES & METHOD: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the association between nickel sensitization and exposure to orthodontic appliances and piercings. 4376 adolescents were patch tested following a questionnaire asking for earlier piercing and orthodontic treatment. Exposure to orthodontic appliances was verified in dental records. RESULTS: Questionnaire data demonstrated a reduced risk of nickel sensitization when orthodontic treatment preceded piercing (OR 0.46; CI 0.27-0.78). Data from dental records demonstrated similar results (OR 0.61, CI 0.36-1.02), but statistical significance was lost when adjusting for background factors. Exposure to full, fixed appliances with NiTi-containing alloys (OR 0.31, CI 0.10-0.98) as well as a pooled 'high nickel-releasing' appliance group (OR 0.56, CI 0.32-0.97) prior to piercing was associated with a significantly reduced risk of nickel sensitization. CONCLUSION: High nickel-containing orthodontic appliances preceding piercing reduces the risk of nickel sensitization by a factor 1.5-2. The risk reduction is associated with estimated nickel release of the appliance and length of treatment. Sex, age at piercing and number of piercings are also important risk indicators. Research on the role of dental materials in the development of immunological tolerance is needed.

The association of tattooing/body piercing and psychopathology in adolescents: a community based study from Istanbul.

We aimed to investigate the association of psychopathology with tattooing and body piercing among adolescents in Istanbul by means of self-report questionnaires. Tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students from 2 high schools in Istanbul with a total number of 607 participated in the study. The Youth Self Report, Children's Depression Inventory and a detailed semi-structured inquiry assessing tattooing, body piercing and some psychiatric and psychosocial variables were administered to the students. The prevalence of tattooing and body piercing were 4.8 and 7 %, respectively. The adolescents with tattooing and body piercing were found to have a higher frequency of alcohol and drug use, smoking, going to bars/night clubs and lower school grades when compared to those without tattooing and body piercing. Externalizing problems, mainly delinquent and aggressive behaviours were more prominent in the adolescents with tattooing and body piercing. Tattooing and body piercing in adolescents may be indicative of mental health risks.

Asociación entre tatuajes, perforaciones y conductas de riesgo en adolescentes / Association between tattoos, piercings and risk behaviors in adolescents

Background: The use of tattoos and piercings has increased, especially among adolescents in the last decades. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of these behaviors in adolescents and their association with risk behaviors such as alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use and sexual promiscuity. Material and Methods: An anonymous and confidential survey about tattooing and piercings was applied to randomly selected high school teenagers, attending municipal, private-subsidized and private schools, in four sectors of Santiago (north-east, south-east, north-west, south-west). Results: The surveys were answered by 1329 participants with a mean age of 15 years (62% women) from 9 schools in Santiago. The prevalence of tattoos was 1.7% (confidence intervals (CI) 1.1% to 2.5%). The figure for piercings was 30.6% (CI 28.2 to 33.1%). A higher prevalence of tattooing and piercings was observed in groups with a history of psychiatric disorders, criminal records, alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug consumption and initiation of sexual activity (p < 0,001). Conclusions: This study confirms that tattoos and piercings are indicators of adolescent risk behaviors.

Lifestyle factors and hand eczema in a Swedish adolescent population.

BACKGROUND: Hand eczema risk factors are potentially associated with lifestyle, and changes in lifestyle may influence the prevalence of this condition. OBJECTIVES: To report potential lifestyle risk factors and their association with hand eczema. PATIENTS/MATERIALS/METHODS: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey and standard patch test among Swedish upper secondary school children. The participation rate was 81% (6095/7543) for the questionnaire and 59% (4439/7543) for the test. RESULTS: Girls reported piercing (84% versus 18%), tattooing (6% versus 3%), smoking (24% versus 16%) and vegetarianism (21% versus 7%) significantly more often than boys. Girls had significantly more hand eczema (7% versus 4%) than boys. Besides female sex (OR 2.0), allergic rhinitis (OR 1.8), flexural eczema (OR 4.5), and positive nickel test (OR 1.7) were significant risk factors in multivariate analysis. Piercing entailed a decreased risk (OR 0.6). Other lifestyle practices had no association with hand eczema. Vegetarian diet and dental braces which potentially increase oral nickel exposure were not associated with hand eczema prevalence in nickel sensitized individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The studied lifestyle practices were more prevalent in girls. Smoking, tattooing, and diet were not associated with the occurrence of hand eczema.

[Tattoos and piercings in adolescents: family conflicts and temperament]. / Tatuaggi e piercing negli adolescenti: correlati familiari e temperamentali.

INTRODUCTION: The phenomenon of body art, such as tattoos and piercings, has ancient roots, rediscovered in Western society during the '70s. The aim of this research is to investigate the prevalence and the characteristics of tattoos and piercings among Italian adolescents of high school in Padua, with particular attention to family context and temperament. METHODS: Some questionnaires about the presence or the wish of tattoos/piercings, smoke and alcohol use, familiar conflicts, and some temperamental features, such as novelty seeking, harm avoidance and reward dependence, have been administered to a sample of 829 students. RESULTS: Tattoo and piercing's prevalence among adolescents was respectively 4% and 24%; 2.5% of the sample had both. Respectively 62% and 35% of the subjects expressed the desire of having a tattoo or piercing. A significant association has been found between tattoo/piercing's presence and smoke and alcohol use (p < 0.001). Subjects with tattoos and piercings, are more likely to have familiar conflicts and minor perceived support and they have higher scores on the novelty seeking scale. Those who wish a tattoo/piercing showed higher reward dependence. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that tattoos/piercings are common among young people and it stresses the relevance of familiar and temperamental features, and the association between tattoos/piercings and some maladaptive behaviors, like smoke and alcohol use.

Tongue piercing and speech.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to document the possible impact of tongue piercing on speech. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire study and a listener experiment were conducted. METHODS: Eight participants with a barbell-type piercing placed dorsoventral in the midline of the tongue completed a questionnaire inquiring about possible pre-existing speech-language problems and about the participants' history and experience with the piercing. Three graduate speech-language pathologists evaluated the articulation of the participants. They scored speech samples of the participants reading a text on a 9-point interval scale with "seriously disturbed articulation" (score 1) and "normal articulation" (score 9) as left and right extremes, respectively, once with the piercing in place and once with the piercing removed. RESULTS: All participants reported having experienced articulation problems immediately after placement of the tongue piercing. These problems lasted from a few days to 1(1/2) months and affected most frequently alveolar and postalveolar consonants. In the listener experiment, articulation was generally judged to be quite normal. Scores assigned to reading with the piercing in place compared with reading with the piercing removed were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Individuals considering obtaining a tongue piercing should expect some impact on speech, which is not permanent, however.

Body piercing among Brazilian surgical patients.

The practice of body piercing is becoming more common worldwide. Surgical patients with body piercings require special preoperative assessment to ensure safety during and after surgery. In a study of Brazilian surgical patients at one facility, only 0.6% had body piercings. An RN or nursing student instructed each patient on piercing removal, and piercings were removed by the patients before surgery.