Assessing Infection Risks Among Clients and Staff Using Tattooing Services in Poland

Abstract

Background: Across cultures and through the ages, people have tattooed their bodies. However, clients attending tattooing services may be at risk due to the use of dyes that compromise the immune system, and unintentional pathogenic infection may further increase client risk. To reduce these risks, aseptic techniques should be used and maintained throughout the period of tattooing, until completion of wound healing. Client education concerning tattoo-related health risks and risk prevention is needed to ensure appropriate understanding before informed consent is given prior to tattooing. This study aimed to assess the risks of transmitting infections due to tattooing. Methods: From 2013 to 2014, an anonymous questionnaire survey and simultaneous audits were conducted in all of Poland's voivodships (the highest-level administrative subdivisions of Poland), and 255 individuals who performed tattoos and permanent makeup were interviewed. A quasi-random selection of tattoo parlors was based on a register of services. Scoring procedures concerning blood-borne infection risks for individuals performing tattoos and for their clients were applied in the analyses. Findings: Of the respondents, approximately 50% had participated in training on post-exposure procedures, almost one in five reported needlestick/cut injuries sustained while working, 25·8% had not obtained their knowledge in relation to risk from reliable sources, and 2·1% had not sought to broaden their knowledge. Interpretation: Tattooists and their clients are at risk of infection, and knowledge concerning the risk of infection is still an underestimated preventative factor. Service quality surveillance and the establishment of a register for tattoo-related complications may provide an opportunity to assess the scale of this public health issue. However, the lack of a register that records tattoo-related adverse reactions and complications means that it has not yet been possible to develop effective organizational and legal protections. Funding Statement: Swiss Contribution and the Polish Ministry of Health (No: KIK35) as well as voluntary inputs. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous, and informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to commencing the interviews. The study proposal and design was accepted by the “Project HCV” Steering Committee and was undertaken at tattoo centers by State Sanitary Inspection staff during their routine duties.