title: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of barbers about hepatitis B and C transmission in Hyderabad, Pakistan.
abstract: Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV/HCV) infections are serious global health problems. Shaving by barbers has been identified as the key risk factor for spread of HBV. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of barbers in Hyderabad city, Pakistan in 2007 to establish their knowledge and attitudes to the risk of HBV and HCV transmission and their working patterns. Observations showed that 96.2% washed razors with antiseptic after each client and 95.7% used a new blade with new clients. However, knowledge about the diseases and modes of transmission were poor and only 36.6% knew that hepatitis can be transmitted via shaving instruments. Only 3.2% of 186 barbers were vaccinated against HBV. Strategies are needed for raising awareness and regulations of barbers' practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan. hakeem.jokhio@aku.edu
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Jokhio
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Bhatti
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Memon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001461:Barbering / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data