KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ON TATTOOING AND ITS HEALTH ISSUES AMONG THE COLLEGE STUDENTS

Health Science

The rising popularity of tattoos among Indian college students, influenced by media and peer trends, has brought attention to associated medical risks ranging from mild skin reactions to severe health complications. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of college students regarding tattooing and its associated health issues in a selected college in Coimbatore. A descriptive survey approach and a non-experimental descriptive design were used. The study targeted students aged 18 to 25 years, with a sample size of 120 selected through non-probability convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire comprising demographic data, knowledge-based questions, and a Likert scale to assess attitudes was used for data collection. Knowledge was categorized as good, average, or poor, while attitudes were classified as favorable, neutral, or not favorable. The tool was validated by nursing experts, and data collection was conducted over three days during break hours with full participant cooperation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Ethical considerations were observed, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation. The study found that most of the participants, 75 (62.5%), had an average level of knowledge about tattoos and their associated health issues, while 45 (37.5%) had poor knowledge. Also, the majority of participants, 84 (70.0%), had a good attitude toward tattoos and their health issues, while 36 (30.0%) demonstrated an average attitude. Statistically significant associations were found between the field of study and the level of knowledge, as well as between the reasons for getting a tattoo and knowledge levels. No significant associations were found between demographic variables (age, gender, religion, area of residence, and family income) and knowledge or attitude levels. The study concluded that while attitudes toward tattooing were generally favorable, there was a significant gap in knowledge about its potential health risks. The study recommends targeted educational interventions to improve students' understanding, particularly among those with limited knowledge, ensuring informed decision-making regarding tattooing.

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