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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 2012 May 1;103(3):207–212. doi: 10.1007/BF03403814

Tattooing and Risk of Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Siavash Jafari 110, Jane A Buxton 110,410,✉, Kourosh Afshar 210, Ray Copes 210, Souzan Baharlou 310
PMCID: PMC6974244  PMID: 22905640

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association between tattooing and the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, ACP Journal Club and BIOSIS Previews was performed up to March 2011.

Results

Forty-two observational studies were included in this systematic review, of which 31 were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the association of tattooing and hepatitis B infection was 1.48 (1.30-1.68) when all studies were included in the analysis. Subgroup analysis shows the strongest association between tattooing and risk of hepatitis B among populations involved in high-risk behaviours (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.32-2.03).

Conclusion

Findings of the current systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that tattooing is associated with hepatitis B transmission in all subgroups. A population health approach that emphasizes universal hepatitis B immunization, education of young adults who are more likely to get tattoos, and education of prison inmates (who have the highest background rate of hepatitis B infection), along with enforcement of guidelines and safer tattooing practices in prison, are fundamental in prevention of transmission of hepatitis B.

Key words: Tattooing, hepatitis B, hepatitis, infections

Footnotes

Conflict of Interest: None to declare.

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