The hole picture: risks, decision making, purpose, regulations, and the future of body piercing.
Can it be said that body piercing is ubiquitous, found across all socioeconomic groups? The major concentration is among adolescents and young adults 15 to 30 years old, in some studies, 50% of the population. Commonly identified physical risks are bleeding, tissue trauma, and bacterial infections; psychosocial risks are unhappiness, low self-esteem, and disappointment. The Health Belief Model is used to explain decision making; purposes for body piercing consistently center on personal expression (self-identity) and uniqueness. The international and US body piercing regulations are discussed, leading to the need for tracking complications globally and standardization of regulations. Proactive health education for clients and health providers remains a priority.
Armstrong
Myrna L
ML
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA. myrna.armstrong@ttuhsc.edu
Koch
Jerome R
JR
Saunders
Jana C
JC
Roberts
Alden E
AE
Owen
Donna C
DC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014943:Global Health; D033161:Government Regulation; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013653:Tattooing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*