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BACKGROUND: The incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in the Hispanic population has increased. Hispanics are more likely to present with advance-staged melanoma and worse overall prognosis. Thus, public health campaigns are necessary to target the underrepresented Hispanic population. OBJECTIVE: To explore Hispanic tattoo artists’ skin cancer knowledge, sun safety recommendations, and their willingness to implement primary and secondary skin cancer prevention in their daily work routines. METHODS: We conducted an in-depth semi-structured interview study with ten Hispanic tattoo artists. Interviews were conducted at multiple tattoo studios in Salt Lake City, Utah.Data was coded by a third-party. Thematic analysis identified recurrent sub-themes from the transcript. RESULTS: Majority of Hispanic tattoo artists had a high percentage of Hispanic clientele (mean: 51%, range: 25-93%) and repeat customers (mean: 73%, range: 50-90%). All tattoo artists had suboptimal skin cancer knowledge. Most Hispanic tattoo artists provide inadequate sun protective information in their aftercare instructions including a specific Sun Protection Factor, sunscreen reapplication, and protective clothing. However, all tattoo artists were willing to provide sun protective information on their social media profiles and undergo primary and secondary skin cancer prevention training. CONCLUSION: Hispanic tattoo artists could serve as public health allies and influence early detection of skin cancers in the Hispanic population by implementing preventative skin cancer behaviors in their daily work routines and providing comprehensive sun safety information through aftercare instructions and social media. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(12):1237-1243.

Chagas disease is a parasitic infection, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, endemic in Latin America. Sylvatic T. cruzi-infected triatomine vectors are present in rural and urban areas in the southern USA and may transmit T. cruzi infection to at-risk populations, such as homeless individuals. Our study aimed to evaluate Chagas disease knowledge and behaviors potentially associated with transmission risk of Chagas disease among Houston, Texas' homeless population by performing interviews with 212 homeless individuals. The majority of the 212 surveyed homeless individuals were male (79%), African-American (43%), American-born individuals (96%). About 30% of the individuals reported having seen triatomines in Houston, and 25% had evidence of blood-borne transmission risk (IV drug use and/or unregulated tattoos). The median total time homeless was significantly associated with recognition of the triatomine vector. Our survey responses indicate that the homeless populations may exhibit potential risks for Chagas disease, due to increased vector exposure, and participation in blood-borne pathogen risk behaviors. Our findings warrant additional research to quantify the prevalence of Chagas disease among homeless populations.

Introduction: Tattooing is a very popular form of body modification among young people. However, this kind of procedure entails the risk of various health complications. The objective of the study was to evaluate the students' knowledge about contraindications, complications, and health risks that skin tattooing may cause. Additionally, the purpose of the study was to assess how the profile of education (medical vs nonmedical) impacts on the knowledge of the respondents., Methods: We surveyed a group of 1199 people, of which 326 (27%) had tattoos. The base of the study is an anonymously filled, author's online survey consisting of 25 questions., Results: Eighty six percent of the students from the Medical University of Gdańsk indicated the risk of HCV virus infection during tattooing, while only 34% of students from other Tricity universities were aware of this danger. Sixty seven percent of people with tattoos felt that having them does not affect any diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Most of respondents mentioned the tattoo artist (79%) and the Internet (73%) as a source of information before having a tattoo, while only 5% and 8% respondents asked a doctor or read medical literature about it. Fourty nine percent of respondents reported that before the procedure, tattooist failed to ask them about their health condition and medications., Conclusions: Knowledge of students about safety, contraindications, and complications associated with the performance of tattooing is insufficient. As a result, a need for a better education on the topic for both people who are getting tattoos and tattooists appears evident., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: In the past several decades the number of individuals, particularly young adults, acquiring body art has increased very seriously in occidental society. In order to verify young adults' practices and knowledge of the risks related to body art, an investigation was conducted among university freshmen in Bari (Apulia Region) and Naples (Campania Region), both in Southern Italy., Methods: The study was carried out during the period 2008-2010 through an anonymous questionnaire distributed to 3,868 people selected among 26 Degree Courses of the University of Bari and Naples Parthenope. The two regional samples were matched for age and sex., Results: On the whole, 84.4% declare to know the infectious risks associated with body art practices, but only 4.1% of them correctly identified the infectious diseases which can be transmitted through these procedures; while 59.2% of the sample declared that non-infectious diseases can occur after a tattoo or a piercing, but only 5.4% of them correctly identified allergies, cysts, bleeding and scars. The possible occurrence of infectious and non-infectious diseases has been acknowledged by most students in Apulia region (89.7 versus 79.1% and 64.8 versus 53.6% respectively). In this Region, of the 1,001 (32.4%) pierced and 597 (19.8%) tattooed youths 23.4% reported complications. Campania region youths reported a greater number of complications than Apulia did (30.3 versus 13.1%) and they also purchased more frequently their tattoos or piercings in unauthorized facilities (35.3% versus 15.9%)., Conclusions: With regard to the knowledge of health risks associated to body art, it has been registered a higher awareness of infectious than non-infectious diseases. Information about freshmen's knowledge and practices could help in effective planning of health promotion strategies.

Background: Body art practices have emerged as common activities among youth, yet few studies have investigated awareness in different age groups of possible health complications associated with piercing and tattooing., Methods: We investigated perceptions of and knowledge about health risks. To highlight differences among age groups, we gathered data from students at high schools and universities in the province of Naples., Results: Of 9,322 adolescents, 31.3% were pierced and 11.3% were tattooed. Of 3,610 undergraduates, 33% were pierced and 24.5% were tattooed (p < 0.05). A higher number of females were pierced in both samples, but there were no gender differences among tattooed students. Among high school students, 79.4% knew about infectious risks and 46% about non-infectious risks; the respective numbers among university students were 87.2% and 59.1%. Only 3.5% of students in high school and 15% of university undergraduates acknowledged the risk of viral disease transmission; 2% and 3% knew about allergic risks. Among adolescents and young adults, 6.9% and 15.3%, respectively, provided signed informed consent; the former were less knowledgeable about health risks (24.7% vs. 57.1%) (p < 0.05). Seventy-three percent of the high school students and 33.5% of the university students had body art done at unauthorized facilities. Approximately 7% of both samples reported complications from their purchased body art., Conclusions: Results indicate a need for adequate information on health risks associated with body art among students in Naples, mainly among high school students. Therefore, adolescents should be targeted for public health education programs.

Background: Incarcerated men and women differ in their views on HIV prevalence rates and susceptibility and their ability to prevent HIV infection. The objective of this study was to assess sex and gender differences in HIV risk behaviors of inmates in order to better support the consideration of gender in the development of HIV prevention interventions for the incarcerated population., Methods: A survey of 1819 inmates was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Self-reported HIV risk behaviors of 526 women and 1293 men during incarceration were compared. Bivariate analyses were done to identify gender differences in demographic characteristics and HIV risk behaviors. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with engaging in sexual intercourse in prison., Results: Mean age was higher for women than men (p = 0.05), and >50% of participants were African Americans. More women than men reported that they engaged in sexual intercourse (p < 0.001); however, men were more likely to report anal sex (p < 0.001). There were no sex differences in injection drug use. Women who identified as bisexual or lesbian, those who had been currently incarcerated for at least 1 year, and those who received tattoos in prison were more likely to report sexual intercourse. The only independent risk factor identified for men was being currently incarcerated for at least 7 years., Conclusions: There are gender differences in HIV risk behaviors of inmates during incarceration. The findings in this study suggest that inmates may benefit from gender-specific HIV interventions while incarcerated and in the community subsequent to release.

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.

Tattooing and body piercing are increasing, especially among college students. A study of 766 tattooed and/or body-pierced college students in 18 universities across the United States and one in Australia was conducted to discover the demographic characteristics, motivational factors, and health concerns. The traditional college time of 18 to 22 years of age (69%) was when they obtained their tattoo (73%) and/or body piercing (63%). More frequent health problems and impulsive decision making were noted for those with body piercing when compared to those tattooed. Three cases of hepatitis were reported. Health professionals should openly discuss body art with students, convey a nonjudgmental attitude, and assist with informed decision-making information to either reduce risks or dissuade. Open communication and applicable health education will be very important.

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.

Medical, criminological and psychiatric literatures have pointed to risks associated with tattooing, but most of this work has been conducted with samples which have other known risk factors or disturbances. This paper investigates the reasons, experiences, methods, and perceived consequences of obtaining tattoos among a sample of Australian adults. The findings complement, extend and in some respects contrast with earlier research. Like other researchers, we found that most people acquire tattoos when they are relatively young. Unlike earlier research, we did not find widespread dissatisfaction and regret. Sex differences emerged in location and design of tattoos. A majority of tattooed people report awareness of others' negative stereotypes of them.