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What about Your Body Ornament? Experiences of Tattoo and Piercing among Italian Youths

Author

Listed:
  • Francesca Gallè

    (Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy)

  • Federica Valeriani

    (Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy)

  • Daniela Marotta

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Andrea De Giorgi

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Annalisa Bargellini

    (Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy)

  • Aida Bianco

    (Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

  • Maria Eugenia Colucci

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Maria Anna Coniglio

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Laura Dallolio

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Osvalda De Giglio

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Gabriella Di Giuseppe

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy)

  • Giusy Diella

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Pasqualina Laganà

    (Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy)

  • Francesca Licata

    (Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

  • Giorgio Liguori

    (Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy)

  • Isabella Marchesi

    (Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy)

  • Sofia Marini

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Maria Teresa Montagna

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Christian Napoli

    (Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00139 Rome, Italy)

  • Giovanni Battista Orsi

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Cesira Pasquarella

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Concetta Paola Pelullo

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy)

  • Luca Ricciardi

    (Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Romano Spica

    (Department of Movement, Human, and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy)

  • Rossella Sacchetti

    (Department of Education Studies “Giovanni Maria Bertin”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Stefano Tardivo

    (Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy)

  • Licia Veronesi

    (Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy)

  • Matteo Vitali

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Carmela Protano

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Background: tattooing and piercing are increasingly common, especially among youths. However, several health complications may be associated with these practices if basic hygiene rules are not respected. This multicenter study was aimed at exploring tattoo and piercing experiences reported by a large sample of Italian undergraduate students through a public health perspective. Methods: tattooed and/or pierced students attending 12 Italian universities were asked to complete a web-based questionnaire regarding their body art experience. Results: out of 1472 respondents, 833 (56.6%) were tattooed and 1009 (68.5%) were pierced. The greatest proportion of tattooed students (93.9%) got her/his first tattoo in a tattoo studio, while most of the pierced were serviced in a jewelry store (48.0%). The pierced ones were less informed on health issues related to the procedure (56.0% versus 77.8% of tattooed p < 0.001), and tattooists were reportedly more attentive to hygiene rules (instrument sterilization 91.5% versus 79.1% of piercers, p < 0.001; use of disposable gloves 98.2% versus 71% of piercers, p < 0.001). Conclusions: educational interventions for both professionals and communities are needed to improve the awareness and the control of health risks related to body art throughout the Italian territory.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Gallè & Federica Valeriani & Daniela Marotta & Andrea De Giorgi & Annalisa Bargellini & Aida Bianco & Maria Eugenia Colucci & Maria Anna Coniglio & Laura Dallolio & Osvalda De Giglio & Gabri, 2021. "What about Your Body Ornament? Experiences of Tattoo and Piercing among Italian Youths," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12429-:d:688291
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Francesco Raggiotto & Michela C. Mason & Andrea Moretti, 2018. "A lens of analysis for consumption practices in tattooing," Micro & Macro Marketing, Società editrice il Mulino, issue 2, pages 283-308.
    2. Carmela Protano & Federica Valeriani & Daniela Marotta & Annalisa Bargellini & Aida Bianco & Giuseppina Caggiano & Maria Eugenia Colucci & Maria Anna Coniglio & Laura Dallolio & Osvalda De Giglio & Ga, 2021. "Assessing Undergraduates’ Perception of Risks Related to Body Art in Italy: The SUPeRBA Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-12, September.
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