Tattoos among nursing staff
A quantitative study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2025.59.3.3297Keywords:
body art, social percepcion, nurse-patient relations, social stigmaAbstract
Introduction: Personal grooming and appearance are extremely important in terms of the impression healthcare professionals make on patients. Although tattoos have become increasingly popular, research shows they remain stigmatised in society. The aim of our study was therefore to examine healthcare workers' opinions and attitudes towards tattoos.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive quantitative study. Data were collected in May 2023 using a purpose-designed online questionnaire with high reliability (α = 0.913). We used a purposive sample consisting of 193 healthcare workers in the Gorenjska region. We conducted univariate and bivariate statistical analyses.
Results: Of our respondents, 37.8% had tattoos, and 71.2% of these had tattoos in a visible location. On average, respondents disagreed with negative statements about tattoos (x = 1.16–1.83). However, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between age (p = 0.001–0.011, r = 0.183–0.237), work experience (p = 0.001–0.028, r = 0.158–0.277), and, for some statements, education level (p = 0.001–0.048).
Discussion and conclusion: Increasing prevalence of tattoos in modern society calls for greater acceptance of diversity. As perceptions of professionalism are also influenced by appearance, efforts should focus on both strengthening professional image and developing policies that promote tolerance and acceptance.
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