Factors associated with medical complications after body art among Israeli adults: a retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Body-art, including tattoos and piercings, is steadily increasing world-wide but with relatively limited reporting of adverse outcomes. The objective of the present study was to identify correlates that would facilitate a preventative strategy to minimize adverse effects of body-art. Methods: We examined patterns of body-art, health risk and perceptions among 921 participants (54% female, mean age of 35; SD = 10.8) through in-person questionnaire. Results: A significantly lower frequency of those with body-art acknowledged that not all venues (parlors, clinics, etc.) are safe in terms of health and hygiene (84.7%t vs. 96.6%, p < 0.05). In addition, it was more than 3 times higher for street or home tattooing as compared to studio or a licensed medical center (OR = 3.59; CI 1.32–9.76; p