Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, Infection Prevention Practices and Accidental Skin Cuts in Barbing Saloons in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the knowledge, perception and practices about HIV/AIDS among barbing saloon operators in Sokoto metropolis in Northwestern Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional survey research, which employed the use of a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and direct observation for data collection. The results of the survey showed awareness of HIV/AIDS and knowledge of the viral aetiology of the infection in 95.6% and 46% of barbers respectively. Almost all the respondents (99.3%) belief in the existence of AIDS, 92.7% perceived HIV/AIDS as a problem and 86.1% agreed that it is preventable. Only 24.8% of the subjects were knowledgeable about the possibility of accidental transmission of HIV from client to client through barbing equipment. Sexual intercourse, contaminated instruments and transfusion of infected blood were correctly identified as possible methods of HI V transmission by 85.4%, 76.6% and 66.4 of respondents respectively. Only 2 (1.4%) of the 137 saloons had a sterilizer and only 7.3% and 6.6% respectively actually carried out a ‘mild' disinfection of their barbing equipment before and after barbing the next client. Methylated spirit, dettol (Chloroxylenol) and savlon (Chlorhexidine gluconate), ‘parozone' (bleaching powder), izal (7% Tar acid phenol and 2% Cresylic creosote) and hand-held flame light were the available. disinfectants/sterilants in the saloons. An accidental cut of the client's skin was found in 11.7% of the barbers' customers. On the basis of our findings, we identified and recommend the need for the training and certification of barbers on infection prevention and control in barbing saloons.

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Keywords: Barbers, knowledge, infection prevention practice, Nigeria

The Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 51 (6) 2007: pp. 123-127