A Study of Body Modification Artists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Infection Control: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Tattoos and piercings, which were once considered taboo, are now widespread like an epidemic, among people of all ages and gender. The rising demand for such body alterations has given rise to a large number of infective complications. This study was, therefore, designed to assess the infection control knowledge, attitudes, and practices of body modification artists in Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS: An anonymous observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 25 to June 22, 2021. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire that covered the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to infection control. On the whole, 172 tattoo and body piercing artists participated in the study. SPSS v.20 software was used for data entry and analysis. Pearson’s correlation test, t-test, Tukey’s test, and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted during the data analysis. RESULTS: Male participants constituted well over three-fourths (96.5%, n = 166) of the sample considered in the study. According to the result, the participants’ knowledge of infection control received the lowest score (7.1 ± 1.22). Participants’ scores of knowledge of infection control increased with an increase in their experience in the multiple linear regression. Experience and training time were also associated with knowledge. Infection control practice was positively associated with the respondents’ attitudes. After controlling other variables, it was found that a one-unit increase in respondents’ attitude scores increased their practice level by 86%. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in Ethiopia to examine tattooists’ and body piercers’ infection control knowledge, attitude, and practice. Minimum standards for infection control in inking and piercing establishments are necessary. It is therefore important that local authorities and public health professionals work towards laying down the minimum code of practice for infection control in inking and piercing establishments.