Are tattoos associated with negative health-related outcomes and risky behaviors?

Int J Dermatol. 2019 Jul;58(7):816-824. doi: 10.1111/ijd.14372. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Abstract

Background: Tattoos have reached broadening mainstream acceptance. Medical professional societies have noted that tattoos may co-occur with high risk behaviors.

Methods: Using a variety of statistical models applied to a sample of 2,008 adults residing in the United States via Amazon's Mechanical Turk, we estimate the associations between tattoo characteristics, three health-related outcomes (overall health status, ever diagnosed with a mental health issue, sleep problems), and three risky behaviors (current smoking, ever spent time in jail or prison, and number of sex partners).

Results: We find that the presence, number, and specific features of tattoos are positively correlated with two of the health-related outcomes (ever diagnosed with a mental health issue and trouble sleeping) and all three of the risky behaviors (P < .05). Magnitudes are larger for those with multiple, visible, and offensive tattoos.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that individuals with tattoos are more likely to engage in risky behaviors relative to their non-tattooed counterparts, which may lead to health consequences. Dermatologists, healthcare providers, and public health advocates should recognize that having a tattoo(s) is a potential marker for mental health issues and risky behaviors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / statistics & numerical data
  • Tattooing / psychology*
  • Tattooing / statistics & numerical data
  • United States / epidemiology