A qualitative exploration of the health awareness and social challenges facing Pakistani youth engaging in body piercing and tattooing

Abstract

Background: The practice of body piercing and tattooing in youth is increasing in
Pakistan, and there is fear that awareness of the associated health risks is low. The aim of
this study is to try and understand: (i) youth awareness of health risks associated with
body piercing and tattooing, and (ii) the social challenges facing youth who engage in
such practices, which might also impact their health and wellbeing. The findings are
aimed to inform improved health and social policy support for population groups
engaging in body modification. Methods: Scholars agree that qualitative research is vital
to explore health challenges and guide health policy. This study adopted a qualitative
design and used purposive snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire
was developed through a literature review. Setting: Participants were sampled in a private
and confidential space on university campus or online, based on willingness and
convenience. Participants: Eight university students from different urban cities of Punjab
were sampled through in-depth interviews. Findings: Sixteen sub-themes were identified
under five main thematic areas, including: 1) Limited Awareness of Health Risks; 2)
Reason for body modifications; 3) History of emotional and physical neglect by parents;
4) Social difficulties faced after body modification; and 5) Association with other deviant
activities. Conclusion: The youth of Pakistan need health and social interventions to
improve preventive and screening support from practitioners, family-level counseling for
improved social support, therapy for mental health, and surveillance and support for
suicide ideation, intoxicant abuse, addiction, dealing with parental neglect, and identity
formation.