Undergraduates' perception of health risk of body arts: results of an Italian multicentre study

Abstract Background In the last decades, body art practices such as tattooing and piercing have known an increasing popularity, mainly in young people. These procedures are associated with infectious non-infectious health risks. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate knowledge risks related among undergraduate students from ten Italian universities. Methods A cross-sectional performed on attending universities northern, central southern Italy. An anonymous questionnaire administered participants for collecting their socio-demographic characteristics assessing about tattoos piercing. Results total 2985 (mean age 23.15 ± 3.99, 73.9% females) completed questionnaire. 775 (25.9%) them were northern Italy, 906 (30.3%) Centre 1324 (44.4%) South. More than 90% sample aware that tattoo/piercing can cause problems. However, mean values correct answers low (5.38 2.39 a 11 5.93 3.12 14 piercing). Higher found those university since more four years (p < 0.001), life science courses 0.001) residing/living area = 0.023). Those North/Centre 4 graduated father 0.013) had better Conclusions results show lack sample. Educational interventions issue targeted youth needed Key messages Undergraduates do not good raise awareness art.