Barbers aware of hepatitis
Barbers aware of hepatitis
Nazia Hameed
ISLAMABAD: A study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of
barbers and street dentists regarding hepatitis and modes of its transmission
has revealed that 70 percent of those practicing in large cities were aware that
used instruments (scissors, blades and extraction forceps) could transmit
hepatitis, revealed Dr Rubina.
She said in large cities, 81% of barbers were aware that hepatitis was a
disease, 63% knew it could spread through blood and blood products and 70% had
the knowledge that used instruments could transmit hepatitis.
While in small cities, she said, 29% knew that hepatitis was a disease,
23% that used instruments could transmit hepatitis and 22% were aware of the
fact that it could spread through blood and blood products.
In rural areas, she said, 18% were aware of hepatitis, 1% knew it could
spread through blood and blood products and 15% were aware that used instruments
could transmit hepatitis.
Regarding attitude of most of the barbers, the survey revealed that most
of them were not concerned about the health hazards posed by this disease to
their clients, did not recognize the need for special precautions and using
separate instruments while dealing with these patients, and 85% did not want to
change their profession for the risk involved in it.
The survey also revealed that most of the barbers were satisfied with
their practice of cleaning the instruments with Dettol and not aware of the fact
that Dettol was not effective as Virucidal against Hepatitis B&C.
Dr Rubina said that the awareness level of the urban barbers and dentist
was observed better than to their rural co-professionals'; however, their
attitudes and practices were found similar. One factor for this unconcern for
the health risks was undoubtedly the cost involved in ensuring sterilization,
she said. Clients would most likely not agree to bear the increased cost of the
procedure and hence, in an effort not to loose their customer base, operational
costs are being kept low at the expense of likely transmission of Hepatitis, she
added. The survey has brought out useful information, which can guide the policy
makers to design and implement a cost-effective plan for prevention and control
of Hepatitis in Pakistan.
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