Tattooing and high-risk behaviour among drug addicts.
One hundred and seventy-five patients treated at the drug dependence outpatient ward of the Psychiatric University Clinic of Vienna were investigated in February 1990 using a standardized questionnaire which included questions concerning tattoo behaviour. The tattooing procedure, often carried out in prison and employing unsterile equipment, is a possible way of HIV-1 transmission. It is recommended that the fragmentary legislation in Austria be rewritten and made more effective. According to a ministerial order only medical doctors are allowed to procure a licence for tattooing as it is an invasive procedure. Therefore no licensed tattooing establishments controlled by public health offices exist. Their legal existence would guarantee a hygienic standard and reduce the danger of infection.
Loimer
N
N
Department of Psychiatry, University of Vienna, Austria.
Werner
E
E
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D001317:Austria; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*