TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1997//
TI  - Tattooing: another adolescent risk behavior warranting health education
JO  - Applied nursing research
A1  - Armstrong, M. L.
A1  - Murphy, K. P.
SP  - 181
EP  - 189
VL  - 10
IS  - 4
N2  - A cross-sectional, convenient sample of adolescents (N = 2101) from 8 states were queried regarding interest in tattooing. Permanent markings and blood-borne diseases were reasons respondents refrain from tattooing, yet 55% (n = 1159) expressed an interest in tattooing. Tattooed adolescents in the sample (10%, n = 213) responded with their experiences. Tattooing 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 similar 1994 study by Armstrong and McConnell. Health providers and educators should initiate applicable health education and become community adolescent advocates regarding this risk-taking behavior. Findings indicate that adolescents who want a tattoo will obtain one, regardless of money, regulations, or risks. Adolescents view the tattoos as objects of self-identity and body art, whereas adults perceive the markings as deviant behavior. Informed decision-making could be promoted in health education by incorporating information about the possibility of blood-borne diseases, permanent markings, and themselves as growing and changing people.<p /> <p>Language: en</p> 
LA  - en
SN  - 0897-1897
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -