Magnitude of Hepatitis B Virus among Barbers and their Knowledge, Attitude and Practices in selected Sub Cities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Date
2018-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Viral hepatitis is a major health problem worldwide. Hepatitis B virus is hepatotropic virus
spread mainly through contaminated blood and blood products. Hepatitis B is very contagious compared
to other blood born viruses. For barbers, the use of blades and razors is part of their occupation which can
expose them to blood of customers while shaving and hair cutting.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of HBsAg among barbers and their
knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards infection control methods in selected sub cities of Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A work place based cross sectional study was conducted among 400 barbers in selected sub
cities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. By using multi-stage sampling technique, first, to select sub-cities we
used simple random sampling technique and selected 5 sub-cities out of 10 sub-cities in Addis Ababa.
Three weredas were selected randomly from each five sub-cities. Study subjects were selected by using
convenience sampling method. Data on sociodemographic factors and KAP related data were collected
using pretested questionnaires. HBsAg was done using ELISA technique. Data was analyzed by using
SPSS version 20.
Results: Out of 400 barbers tested, 15 were positive for HBsAg giving an overall magnitude of 3.75%
(15/400). Among unmarried or single participants 11(3.92%) were positive (χ2=0.45, P=0.93). The
overall serological results were not statistically associated with socio demographic characteristics. Among
400 participants, 129 (32.25%) were within the adequate knowledge range whereas 271(67.75%) showed
poor knowledge about HBV. Concerning the attitude of barbers majority 323(80.8%) of the participants
do not think that they can get HBV.
Conclusion: The seroburden of HBsAg was 3.75%. In this study, most barbers had poor knowledge about
the etiology, symptom, transmission and prevention of hepatitis B. Moreover, all of the study participants
did not vaccinated due to lack of knowledge about the presence of HBV vaccine. Therefore, health
education should be given to barbers on prevention of the transmission of HBV and they should be clearly
oriented on the presence and use of HBV vaccine. This study is important and it can gives clue for
FMHACA and Addis Ababa Health Bureau to develop safety guideline for barber shops.
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Keywords
HBsAg, Magnitude, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Barbers.