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.