Potential risk of HIV transmission in barbering practice in Ethiopia: from public health and microbiological perspectives

Knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV/AIDS among barbers in Ho municipality, Ghana

The barbing industry poses particular public health risks if it is not conducted in a safe and hygienic manner. These risks can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to the barbers or their clients. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV transmission among barbers in the Ho Municipality. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to a consented sample of barbers sampled using a multistage random sample design. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using Stata version 14.0 software programme where 0.05 level was used as a measure of significance. The knowledge level of the barbers regarding HIV/AIDS was inadequate (63.6%). Knowledge was significantly associated with work experience [AOR = 13.56 (95% CI: 2.73-67.25); p = 0.001], with attitude [AOR = 4.07 (95% CI: 1.27-13.08); p = 0.018], with level of education [AOR = 10.22 (95% CI: 2.24-46.64); p = 0.003], with marital status [AOR = 0.07 (95% CI: 0.01-0.50); p = 0.008] and with number of clients per day [AOR = 0.13 (95% CI: 0.03-0.52); p = 0.004]. The attitude of barbers was also inadequate (58.7%). Attitude was significantly associated with the mode of learning the barbing profession [AOR = 0.32 (95% CI: 0.11-0.89); p = 0.029], and with level of knowledge [AOR = 5.48 (95% CI: 2.01-14.93); p = 0.001]. Majority of the participants exhibited poor prevention practices regarding HIV/AIDS (87.6%). Prevention practice was significantly associated with work experience [AOR = 24.92 (95% CI: 2.08-297.86); p = 0.011] and with level of knowledge [AOR = 12.57 (95% CI: 1.35-116.86); p = 0.026]. The barbers in Ho exhibited inadequate knowledge and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS, and also manifested poor prevention practices regarding HIV/AIDS. Programmes aimed at improving the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices should be implemented among barbers, with focus on those without any formal education, those with less than five years work experience and those with more than ten clients a day.

Knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV/AIDS among barbers in Ho municipality, Ghana

Barbering poses risks of HIV transmission if it is not conducted in a hygienic manner. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV transmission among barbers in the Ho Municipality, Ghana. A cross-sectional design was employed in Ho Municipality, and data were collected from 121 participants and analysed using Stata version 13.0 at the significance level of 0.05. Knowledge was low (63.6%) and was associated with attitude [COR=4.37 (95% CI: 1.98–9.62); p<0.001] and with level of education [COR=4.92 (95% CI: 1.70–14.21); p=0.003]. Attitude was inadequate (58.7%) and was associated with level of education [COR=3.47 (95% CI: 1.18–10.14); p=0.023]. Poor prevention practice was high (87.6%) and was associated with work experience [COR=20.72 (95% CI: 3.86–111.05); p<0.001] and location of operation [COR=4.92 (95% CI: 1.60–15.14); p=0.006]. Programmes aimed at improving knowledge, attitudes and practices should focus on Barbers in urban communities, those without any formal education, and those with less than five years work experience.

[Knowledge attitudes and practices of hairdressing salon staff on HIV infection in Lome Togo]

Introduction

le but de cette étude était de décrire les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques du personnel des salons de coiffure sur l'infection à VIH à Lomé.

Méthodes

il s'est agi d'une étude descriptive, dont la population d'étude était constituée par les patrons et les apprentis des salons de coiffure de la préfecture d'Agoè-nyivé à Lomé entre le 1^er octobre 2016 et le 31 mars 2017. Les différents paramètres étudiés étaient les données sur la connaissance générale du VIH, les attitudes et pratiques sur le VIH/sida dans les salons de coiffure.

Résultats

au total, 203 patrons et apprentis présents dans les 68 salons de coiffure des préfectures d'Agoè-nyivé ont été enquêtés. L'infection à VIH/ sida était connue par tous (100%) les participants et 79,3% d'entre eux la définissaient comme étant une infection sexuellement transmissible. Le port de tablier ou de gants avant certains gestes de coiffure était fait dans respectivement 33(51,5%) et 35(48,5%) salons de coiffures. Aussi, dans 60(88,2%) salons de coiffure, une décontamination des objets tranchants était faite avant leur usage. Cependant, l'alcool était le désinfectant le plus utilisé par la majorité (89,3%) du personnel des salons de coiffure. Aussi, l'ébullition pendant en moyenne 7 minutes était réalisée par 79,8% des coiffeurs. En cas d'accident d'exposition au sang, 69,6% du personnel des salons de coiffure faisaient un nettoyage du site exposé avec de l'alcool.

Conclusion

cette étude a montré que les coiffeurs/coiffeuses et leurs apprentis ont de bonnes connaissances sur l'infection à VIH/sida, sur ses modes de transmission et ses moyens de prévention dans les salons de coiffure. Cependant, certaines pratiques dont les méthodes de désinfections du matériel souillé et la conduite en cas d'accidents d'exposition au sang étaient mauvaises.

Risk Factors Associated with Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders among Barbers in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEDs) often present remarkable health and economic burdens on society. Occupational barbers are usually neglected both in research and policy actions, mainly in developing countries, and hence are likely subjected to the conditions. So far, information about factors that influence WUEDs among barbers in Ethiopia is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate prevalence and factors associated with WUEDs among barbers in Gondar town, Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study from March to April 2018. A sample of 424 participants were recruited using systematic random sampling technique. A standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. We set statistical significances at <0.05 p value with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and computed odds ratios to evaluate strength of associations.

Results

The response rate was 98.3% (N=417). The mean age was 26.39 (SD + 4.805) years. The prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders over the past 12 months was 56.8% (N=237). Upper back pain was observed in 38.8% (N=162) participants, whereas shoulder (27.1% (N=113)), neck pain and elbow/forearms (each 29.3% (N=122)), and wrists/hand disorders (32.4% (N=135)) were the common body sites indicated. Age (AOR: 2.614; 95% CI (1.287, 5.307)), alcohol use (AOR: 3.556; 95% CI (2.212, 5.717)), frequent standing (AOR: 1.536; 95% CI (1.006, 2.346)), physical exercises (AOR: 1.938; 95% CI (1.216, 3.089)), and low monthly salary (AOR: 3.125; 95% CI (1.157, 5.441)) were factors associated with work-related upper extremity disorders.

Conclusions

Work-related upper extremity disorder is common among hairdressing professionals. Worksite health promotions targeted to lifestyle behaviors, like physical exercise and alcohol consumption require urgent public health actions in Ethiopia. Moreover, adaption of flexible work postures and proper management of workplace conditions related to aging workforces are also imperative to trace the complaints.