title: Tattooed Army soldiers: examining the incidence, behavior, and risk.
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 "no reasons" 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.
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock 79430, USA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sallee
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000379:methods; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009042:Motivation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data