KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF BARBERS TOWARDS HEPATITIS B.

*Dr. Mohammed Ismail Humaida, Dr. Ahmed Subahi Ahmed, Mohammed Hamid Adam and Hayat Suliman Ali

ABSTRACT

Background: The barbershop is a place where hair cutting, shaving and hair reforming for men are practised. Negligence during the use of sharp instruments may be a risk factor for bloodborne infections, causing serious health problems for both the barber and the clients. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of barbers towards hepatitis B in El-Obied North Kordofan State. Methodology: This facility based cross-sectional study comprised of 150 barbers, selected by total coverage. Data were collected via questionnaires and observation checklist and were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: In this study, 90% of barbers hear about hepatitis B, 70% know the causative agent of hepatitis B, only 29% know hepatitis B can be transmitted via contaminated razors, 40% not aware about the availability of hepatitis B vaccine, 33% belief that hepatitis B infection is associated with stigma. While 11% do not sterilize their instruments and 4% of barbers were using razors for more than one client, 61%, they do not wearing gloves during shaving their clients and 17% of them practiced sexual intercourse out of marriage. Conclusion: Such knowledge and practices of barbers may lead to hepatitis B transmssion within barbershops. North Kordofan ministry of health, clients and media should pay more attention to the problem.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, barbers, knowledge, attitude and practices.