Abstract
This study focused on tattoo and body piercing among youths in tertiary
institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined
youths’ awareness of body parts for the placement of tattoos and body
piercing, factors influence youth’s acceptance of tattoos and body piercing
and factors that influence youths’ non-acceptance of tattoos and body
piercing. The area of the study was Ogun State. Population was made up of
undergraduates of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Data were obtained through questionnaire. Frequency counts and
percentages were used for data analysis. Findings include 13 body parts
were tattoo and body piercing are placed. These include hand (91.8%), leg
(88.2%), nose (93.6%) navel (76.4%), among others. Other major findings
include a major factor (Maf) that influencing youths’ acceptance of tattoos
and body piercing, namely, “Interest” with percentage score of (58.2%).
Further, there are eight (8) major factors that influences youths’ non-
acceptance of tattoos and body piercing. These include; risk of disease
(82.7%), risk of infection (66.4%), not interested (79.1%), it is difficult to
remove (70.9%), and others. Based on the findings it is recommended that
sensitization and educative awareness should be made available in various
tertiary institutions on health and disease related risks associated with
tattoos and body piercing.