@article{ref1,
title="Tattooed Army soldiers: examining the incidence, behavior, and risk",
journal="Military medicine",
year="2000",
author="Armstrong, M. L. and Murphy, K. P. and Sallee, A. and Watson, M. G.",
volume="165",
number="2",
pages="135-141",
abstract="Primary prevention is a priority for medical personnel. Despite societal popularity and a long association of the military with tattooing, little is known about the tattooed Army soldier, which hampers primary health planning. Basic recruits and advanced individual training students (N = 1,835) at one mid-western military installation completed a questionnaire about any tattooing experiences. Almost half (48%) of the soldiers were serious/very serious about getting a tattoo, with 31% stating that there were &quot;no reasons&quot; to keep them from getting a tattoo. More than one-third (36%) were tattooed, with 22% possessing three or more tattoos. Many soldiers (64%) entered the military with the tattoos. Limited use (15%) of alcohol and/or drugs before tattooing was reported. Findings included a high incidence of tattooing, a strong determination to obtain tattoos, the possession of tattoos for self-identity reasons, and the supportive role of friends. Reported procedural bleeding (76%) documents the potential for blood-borne disease transmission. These results confirm the need for targeted health education regarding the safety and potential risks of tattooing.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0026-4075",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}