A content analysis of on-line information on body piercing and body modification.

摘要

This study was a content analysis of websites of 75 US-based body piercing establishments affiliated with the Association of Professional Piercers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the information available on the websites about studio cleanliness, safety precautions, potential complications from body piercings, body piercers? professional experience and affiliations, recommended aftercare, recommended resources on body modification, and the body modification procedures available.;The gathered information was unique in body modification research in that the information came from within the industry, as opposed to clients of the industry. Body piercing establishments provided much information that promoted safe piercing practices and minimization of risk of negative complications. The study found that the examined establishments demonstrated frequent practice of stretching body piercings and providing surface piercings and some practice of procedures that use dermal/biopsy punches, subdermal implants, and intentional scarification.