TATTOOING - ANOTHER ADOLESCENT RISK BEHAVIOR WARRANTING HEALTH-EDUCATION

A cross-sectional, convenient sample of adolescents (N = 2101) from 8 states were queried regarding interest in tattooing. Permanent marking s and blood-borne diseases were reasons respondents refrain from tatto oing, yet 55% (n = 1159) expressed an interest in tattooing. Tattooed adolescents in the sample (10%, n = 213) responded with their experien ces. Tabooing was frequently done around the 9th grade and as early as 8 years of age; over half (56%, n = 120) report academic grades of As and Bs. Potential health risks and definite psychosocial findings of purchase and possession risks were evident, building on data from a si milar 1994 study by Armstrong and McConnell. Health providers and educ ators should initiate applicable health education and become community adolescent advocates regarding this risk-taking behavior. Findings in dicate that adolescents who want a taboo will obtain one, regardless o f money, regulations, or risks. Adolescents view the tattoos as object s of self-identity and body art, whereas adults perceive the markings as deviant behavior. Informed decision-making could be promoted in hea lth education by incorporating information about the possibility of bl ood-borne diseases, permanent markings, and themselves as growing and changing people. Copyright (C) 1997 by W.B. Saunders Company.