There Are No Correlations Between Biosafety Standards Acknowledgement and the Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Manicures/Pedicures Professionals Working in Beauty Salons of Maringá (Paraná-Brazil)

Since manicure and pedicure professionals are exposed to blood and to other human body fluids, these workers are susceptibile to hepatitis viruses (HBV, HCV) when they fail to follow standard safety procedures (SSP) in their work routine. Knowledge on SSP is one of the main factors to reduce contamination risks. The current study investigated correlations between knowledge on SSP and the occurrence of HBV/HCV in manicure/pedicure professionals working at beauty salons in Maringá (Paraná-Brazil). A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2015 and March 2016. Beauty salons (n = 30) were visited and 150 professionals completed a questionnaire and a rapid test for HBV/HCV detection. Data indicated that there were no correlations (P < 0.01) between knowledge about transmission and prevention of viral hepatitis and professional behaviors of manicure/pedicure in beauty salons of Maringá. There was low adherence (P < 0.01) to SSP and to procedures that would guarantee an adequate sterilization of the materials used. One out of 150 individuals showed reactivity for HBV (genotype D by HBV DNA). Manicure and pedicure professionals in Maringá were aware of the correct procedures to warrant personal protection, yet such knowledge is not adequately applied in their work routine.