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Body piercing and high-risk behavior in adolescents
Timothy A Roberts1, Peggy Auinger, Sheryl A Ryan
1Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Strong Children's Research Center, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. timothy_roberts@urmc.rochester.edu
Summary
Body piercing in adolescents is linked to increased peer substance use and engagement in various high-risk behaviors, including sexual activity and suicidal ideation. This suggests piercing may indicate a need for behavioral health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Body piercing is a common practice among adolescents.
- Understanding associated risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research has explored links between body modifications and behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between body piercing (excluding ear piercings) and sociodemographic factors in adolescents.
- To examine the association between body piercing and peer substance use.
- To evaluate the correlation between body piercing and a range of high-risk behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) Public Use Dataset.
- Sample included 4337 adolescents aged 13-18 years, surveyed in 1996.
- Body piercing (non-ear) as the predictor variable; high-risk behaviors (sexual activity, substance use, violence, antisocial behavior, mood problems) and peer substance use as outcome variables.
Main Results:
- Females and older adolescents were more likely to have body piercings.
- Body piercing was significantly associated with higher levels of peer substance use (beta = 1.40).
- Piercing correlated with increased odds of sexual intercourse (OR=4.5), smoking (OR=3.1), marijuana use (OR=3.0), truancy (OR=2.6), running away (OR=3.0), suicidal ideation (OR=2.5), and suicide attempts (OR=3.0).
Conclusions:
- Body piercing in adolescents may serve as a clinical marker for elevated peer substance use.
- The practice is associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in various problem behaviors.
- Findings highlight the potential need for screening and intervention among adolescents with body piercings.