The following study investigated perceptions and knowledge about health risks in relation to tattoos and piercings. Researchers gathered data from students at high schools and universities in the Italian province of Naples. The results are shown below.
Of 9,322 high school students
- 31.3% were pierced;
- 11.3% were tattooed;
- 79.4% knew about infectious risks associated with body art;
- 46% knew about noninfectious risks; and
- 3.5% acknowledged the risk of viral disease transmission.
Of 3,610 university students
- 33% were pierced;
- 24.5% were tattooed;
- 87.2% knew about infectious risks;
- 59.1% knew about noninfectious risks; and
- 15% acknowledged the risk of viral disease transmission.
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 body art.