Tattooing in prisons-Not such a pretty picture

Abstract

Background: Tattooing in prison represents a unique combination of risk factors for blood borne virus (BBV) transmission because it is illicitly performed by untrained operators with homemade, unsterile, and frequently-shared equipment. It occurs in a setting where a high proportion of people are already infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other BBVs. Objectives: This study measured the frequency of tattoo acquisition by prisoners inside and outside prison, and the associations between tattooing, injecting drug use, and HCV infection risk. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in correctional facilities in Victoria, Australia. Participants completed a questionnaire that asked..