@article{ref1,
title="Are tattoos associated with negative health-related outcomes and risky behaviors?",
journal="International journal of dermatology",
year="2019",
author="Mortensen, Karoline and French, Michael T. and Timming, Andrew R.",
volume="58",
number="7",
pages="816-824",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Tattoos have reached broadening mainstream acceptance. Medical professional societies have noted that tattoos may co-occur with high risk behaviors. <br><br>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). <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<br><br>© 2019 The International Society of Dermatology.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0011-9059",
doi="10.1111/ijd.14372",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ijd.14372"
}