Knowledge, and Attitude and Practices of Salon Workers Regarding the Transmission of HIV and HBV in Bangladesh

Abstract

Not paying attention to sanitization and usage of contaminated tools can lead to viral infections. A salon is a potential place for transmission of deadly blood borne viruses such as HIV or HBV. The hairdressing profession may potentially expose salon workers and their customers to blood-borne infections. So assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice of salon workers in order to ensure the safety and public health is really essential. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practice of salon workers of Bangladesh which is related to different type of blood borne disease as there is strong evidence that razors and other instruments are risk factors for transmission of those diseases. A total of 397 male respondents of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Feni participated in the study. Out of those respondents it was found that all of them have heard about HIV and 81.61% had heard about HBV. Almost all the respondents know that HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusion and needle sharing. In case of HBV almost 80% believes it can be transmitted through blood transfusion and needle sharing. Almost 99% and 79% of respondents stated razor sharing as a way of transmission of HIV and HBV respectively. There were misconceptions about transmission from mother to fetus and through mosquito bite. Majority of the population of about 56.93% knew about the existence of Hepatitis B but only 0.76% of populations were vaccinated for HBV. Most of the respondents reuse their towel and alum. Almost 85% of them change the blade for each customer. Only 5.04% of populations have disposable gloves in their collection but no one uses those gloves after cut. Almost 43% of the respondents possess negative attitude towards the HIV or HBV infected person. The knowledge in case of HIV is quite good but in case of HBV the knowledge is not so good. So vaccination programs must be thrown for HBV. To improve the scenario of Bangladesh special guidance courses and different awareness programs must be arranged.