“LOVE FOR ARTWORKâ€: TATTOOING AND BODY PIERCING AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Tattooing, Body Piercing, Body Modification, Undergraduate Students, NigeriaAbstract
Today, tattooing and body piercing are increasingly gaining acceptance among the youths in Nigeria. Though these forms of body modification are not foreign to Nigeria, yet, their growing acceptance among tertiary institution students is remarkable. Against this background, this study examined the attitude and disposition of University of Ibadan undergraduate students towards tattooing and body piercing. The study was anchored on labelling theory. Data were generated through survey-questionnaire and in-depth interview. Multistage sampling technique was employed for the selection of 260 students. Findings revealed that whereas there is a growing convergence in the disposition of both male (67.0%) and female (33.0%) students towards tattooing, a sharp difference exists in their disposition towards body piercing. Fashion is the main (39.1%) reason behind University of Ibadan undergraduate students’ involvement in these forms of body modification. However, 41% of the respondents perceived their colleagues who engaged in tattooing and/or body piercing as irresponsible. Relevant stakeholders should take necessary steps to sensitize the youths on health and social implications inherent in tattooing and body piercing.References
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