Abstract

Many health hazards plus other contagious diseases and skin infections are related to barbers’ occupation, to which their clients are exposed to.  Barbers’ awareness and practice plays a vital part in the hindrance and management of these health related risks. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of barbers regarding biological hazards related to their occupation in Hawassa Town, Southern Ethiopia. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from September 1st, 2014 to January 31st, 2015. The overall number of barbers within the town was 1360, of which 516 barbers participated in this study. The sample size determination was done using the formula for a single population proportion by considering 51% knowledgeable barbers from – Jimma Ethiopia, 95% level of confidence with 5% margin of error. About 15% of the none-response rate was added in this study. The systematic random sampling technique was implemented during data collection.  By using structured and pre-tested questionnaires, face to face interview was applied to determine knowledge level of the participants. Different statistic methods like multivariate logistic regression were conducted to spot factors associated with knowledge and practice of barbers. Of the 516 barbers, 515 (99.9%) had smart knowledge on biological hazards associated with their profession, whereas 369 (71.5%) practice safe during barbering. An academic status, holder of the business, operating hour and toil expertise of the barbers were associated considerably with the knowledge of the barbers. However, the practices of the barbers were related solely through handiness of ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers in the room and toiling hour. Long practices of barbers with smart knowledge have good association with forestall biological hazards on their profession. However, giving more coaching to the barbers is necessary to prevent biological risks related to their occupation.

Key words: Barbers, hazards, occupation, knowledge, practice, Hawassa.