Regulation of tattooing in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota: tattooists' attitudes and relationship between regulation and practice.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated tattooists' attitudes regarding government regulation and the relationship between existing tattooing regulation and tattooists' knowledge and practice of infection control.


METHODS
Self-reported and observational data were collected in a cross-sectional study of professional tattooists. A written survey was used to investigate knowledge and practice of infection control and attitudes toward government regulation. Infection control practice was also examined through direct observation of tattooing. Rating scales were used to compare tattoo artists subject to local tattooing ordinances with those in areas without ordinances.


RESULTS
Sixty-one tattooists (45 regulated, 16 unregulated) completed surveys and 25 (17 regulated, 8 unregulated) were observed. Attitudes toward regulation were generally positive. Most participants supported health department inspections and training requirements. The presence of local tattooing ordinances was not associated with tattooists' knowledge (p=0.53), but was associated with self-reported practices (p=0.05). A more positive attitude toward regulation was associated with the use of more self-reported infection control procedures (p<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Tattoo artists in areas with local tattooing ordinances may implement more bloodborne pathogen precautions than those in areas without ordinances, despite working from a similar knowledge base. Tattooists most in need of improvement may be difficult to reach due to opposition to government intrusion. Federal guidelines, clarification of OSHA rules applying to tattooists, and statewide regulation are needed. Tattooists should be involved in the development of regulations.
Raymond
Monica J
MJ
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Halcón
Linda L
LL
Pirie
Phyllis L
PL
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D033161:Government Regulation; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D019370:Observation; D011361:Professional Competence; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013219:State Government; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013653:Tattooing / Q000592:standards*