Getting inked: Tattoo and risky behavioral involvement among university students

•This study assesses students’ involvement in tattooing and risky behaviors.•Results indicate that 29.6% of respondents have a tattoo.•Females are more likely than males to have a tattoo.•Tattooed students are more likely to engage in substance use and risky sexual behaviors.•Health professionals should be aware of tattooing and risky behaviors.

The purpose of the study is to assess university students’ involvement in tattooing and examine associations between tattooing and risky behaviors. University students enrolled in physical education and health classes at one Midwestern University are study participants, and a survey is used to examine 998 university students’ involvement in tattooing. The results indicate that 29.6% of respondents have a tattoo. The most common locations for tattoos are the chest (37.6%), foot (26.8%), arm (15.8%), and back (14.4%). Females are more likely than males to have a tattoo. Tattooed students are significantly more likely than non-tattooed students to engage in alcohol and marijuana use and risky sexual behaviors. Suicidal behaviors and suicidal ideation are not related to tattoo status among university students. Therefore, college health professionals should be aware of associations between tattooing and risky behavioral involvement. Educational programs are needed to increase student awareness of body modification and associated risk behaviors.