Сонсголын бэрхшээлтэй хүүхдийн тусгай сургууль
Introduction: The number of skin piercing and tattoo practices is increasing among children. It was shown that during tattoo making some quantity of viruses causing asymptomatic infection are penetrating into the skin and body.
Study aim: To study tattoo and skin piercing practices among boys and girls in order to create awareness on the negative effects of these procedures.
Study methodology: The study involved 1-11 grade students of the school for children with hearing disability. The whole body examination was used in order to assess tattoos and piercings among boys and girls.
Results: in 2007-2008 school year total 381 students from 1-11 grade were involved in the study of which boys 208 (55%) and girls 173 (45%). Among 173 girls 156 (90.2%) had pierced ears. Among 208 boys 64 (30.7%) had pierced ears, 3 (1.4%) had tattoos and 2 (1.0%) had pierced lips.
Conclusion:
- Girls are practicing the ear piercing due to beauty considerations. Boys use lips and ear piercing to look special.
- Among 16-18 years old boys ear piercing practice was more prevalent (19.7%). The ear piercing was done in 23.7% of 9-12 years old, in 27.2% of 13-15 years old and in 28.3% of 16-18 years old girls.
- The multiple ear piercing, lips, nose and belly piercing and tattoo practices are increasing among girls.
- There is increased risk of acquiring HIV, STD and hepatitis C infection due to poor sterilization of tools by tattoo and skin piercing service providers.
