Investigating Awareness, Attitude, and Performance of Barbers regarding Infection Control and Disinfection application among Women's Hairdressers in Abarkooh

Abstract

Introduction: Lack of knowledge and proper implementation of health guidelines by hairdressers can lead to the transmission of some infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the hairdressers’ level of awareness, attitude, and performance regarding the principles of infection control in women's hairdressers in Abarkouh.

Methods: The study included all female hairdressers (40 hairdresser) in Abarkouh township of Yazd, Iran. To collect the data, a questionnaire containing the participants’ demographic information as well as awareness (scores range from 0 to 18), attitude (scores range from 13 to 65), and performance (scores range from 14 to 70) information was administered. A checklist was also used to evaluate the applied disinfectants.

Results: The total mean scores related to the levels of awareness, attitude, and performance of hairdressers were estimated as 11.28 ±1.99, 51.98 ±4.67, and 62.13 ±5.69, respectively. Awareness scores had a significant relationship with education level (P= 0.021) and income level (P= 0.038). The performance scores had a significant association with income levels (P= 0.048). The daily disinfection frequencies were estimated daily, weekly, twice a week, and three times a week as 20%, 30%, 7.5%, and 42.5%, respectively. Based on the findings, 42.5% of hairdressers used Oven and autoclaves for disinfection. The most common disinfectants used for the hairdresser's environment, equipment, as well as antiseptic for skins and hands were bleach, alcohol, and washing liquid, respectively.

Conclusion: Due to the moderate levels of awareness and attitude of hairdressers, the authorities are required to plan to hold more effective training courses and increase the awareness of barbers using different educational methods to make health programs more effective.