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1- Environmental Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2- Environmental Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,rcharkazi@yahoo.com
2- Environmental Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,
Abstract: (71 Views)
Background: Female hairdressers are at risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus due to their use of sharp instruments. The aim of this study was to survey female hairdressers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HIV and hepatitis B prevention.
Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed KAP concerning HIV and hepatitis B prevention among 77 licensed female hairdressers in Andisheh city, Iran, using a census method that included all hairdressers in the city. Data on knowledge, attitude, and performance were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Results: Participants (mean age 36.14 ± 8.82 years; mean work experience 9.66 ± 8.34 years) demonstrated relatively good knowledge (54.5%), favorable attitudes (58.4%), and good performance (62.3%). However, knowledge gaps existed regarding disinfectants. Negative attitudes toward disposable items due to customer satisfaction and cost, as well as misconceptions about salon suitability for tattooing, were observed. Significant positive correlations were found between age and both attitude and knowledge, and between work experience and all three KAP domains. Attitude and performance were also positively correlated. Education level showed no significant association with KAP.
Conclusion: While female hairdressers in Andisheh city possess relatively good baseline KAP, specific weaknesses in knowledge about disinfectants and negative attitudes toward crucial preventive measures, such as the use of disposable items and the discouragement of tattooing, necessitate targeted interventions. Educational programs emphasizing proper disinfection, addressing misconceptions about disposables, and discouraging high-risk procedures are recommended to further enhance preventive behaviors in this occupational group.
Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed KAP concerning HIV and hepatitis B prevention among 77 licensed female hairdressers in Andisheh city, Iran, using a census method that included all hairdressers in the city. Data on knowledge, attitude, and performance were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Results: Participants (mean age 36.14 ± 8.82 years; mean work experience 9.66 ± 8.34 years) demonstrated relatively good knowledge (54.5%), favorable attitudes (58.4%), and good performance (62.3%). However, knowledge gaps existed regarding disinfectants. Negative attitudes toward disposable items due to customer satisfaction and cost, as well as misconceptions about salon suitability for tattooing, were observed. Significant positive correlations were found between age and both attitude and knowledge, and between work experience and all three KAP domains. Attitude and performance were also positively correlated. Education level showed no significant association with KAP.
Conclusion: While female hairdressers in Andisheh city possess relatively good baseline KAP, specific weaknesses in knowledge about disinfectants and negative attitudes toward crucial preventive measures, such as the use of disposable items and the discouragement of tattooing, necessitate targeted interventions. Educational programs emphasizing proper disinfection, addressing misconceptions about disposables, and discouraging high-risk procedures are recommended to further enhance preventive behaviors in this occupational group.
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) prevention ( prevention and control), Hepatitis B Prevention (prevention and control), Barbers (Barbering), Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (Practice Valuation and Purchase), Public Health
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Public health
Received: 2025/09/12 | Accepted: 2025/11/12
Received: 2025/09/12 | Accepted: 2025/11/12
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