A qualitative study on how tattoo artists maintain their health for work, based on semi-structured interviews conducted in Amsterdam.
Abstract
Introduction
Tattoo artists perform physically demanding work. Absence means loss of income. This research examines how tattoo artists stay healthy for work.
Method
This study is a qualitative research. The interviews were semi-structured with four categories: work method, workplace furnishment, lifestyle, and health complaints. Voluntary response sampling was conducted in Amsterdam, where 133 tattoo artists were approached via social media. The transcripts were encoded open, axially, and selectively.
Results
12 interviews (9%) took place. The analysis yielded seven categories: work method, lifestyle, problem-solving behaviour, attitude, emotions, social, and absence.
Discussion
There seem to be similarities that consist of autonomy over work methods and division between work and leisure time, lifestyle adjustment, and experiencing emotional and financial satisfaction.
Conclusion
It could be stated that tattoo artists stay healthy for work because they have the possibility to be autonomous and experience their work as valuable.
Het artikel is verschenen in European Journal of Environment and Public Health Volume 7, Issue 2, 2023, Article No: em0131 en in Tijdschrift voor Bedrijfs- en Verzekeringsgeneeskunde | Uitgave 5/2022 met de titel: Gezondheid van tatoeage-artiesten.