Investigation of infection control status in male barbershops of Shiraz

AIDS as a new viral disease and viral hepatitis as one of the 5 infectious causes of early human death impose large expenses on individuals. Various studies have considered barbers’ activities (in case of not observing the infection control principles) to be effective in transmission of HIV, HBV, and HCV. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the male barbers’ knowledge, attitude, and performance regarding the infection control principles in Shiraz. In the present cross-sectional study, 200 barbers were selected by cluster sampling and interviewed regarding the infection control principles. The obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS 18 and Excel 2007 statistical software. The results showed that 82% of the barbers had primary school or above degrees and only 8% were illiterate. 4%, 71%, and 25% of the barbers had good, average, and weak knowledge, respectively. 96% of the barbers had positive attitude and 4% had negative attitude. 51.5% and 48.5% of the barbers had good and average performances, respectively. Also, the knowledge barbers about AIDS symptoms, 1.5%, 14%, 10.5%, and 74% were excellent, good, average, and weak, respectively. The study results showed that Shiraz male barbers need educational classes, health programs, and more control so that their knowledge, attitude, and performance can be improved to a desirable level.