Knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV/Aids among barbers in Ho municipality, Ghana

Bibliographic Data

ID2177815
AuthorsMercy Demaris Quarm (University of Health and Allied Sciences), Jacqueline Mthembu (Human Sciences Research Council), Khangelani Zuma (0000-0003-4492-5083, Human Sciences Research Council), Elvis Enowbeyang Tarkang (0000-0001-6556-565X, University of Health and Allied Sciences, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue1
Pages42-51
Publication date2021-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSAHARA-J Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1729-0376 • E-ISSN: 1813-4424
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17290376.2021.1883101
PMID33641600
OpenAlexW3135895334
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited11

The barbing industry poses particular public health risks if it is not conducted in a safe and hygienic manner. These risks can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to the barbers or their clients. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices regarding HIV transmission among barbers in the Ho Municipality. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to a consented sample of barbers sampled using a multistage random sample design. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using Stata version 14.0 software programme where 0.05 level was used as a measure of significance. The knowledge level of the barbers regarding HIV/AIDS was inadequate (63.6%). Knowledge was significantly associated with work experience [AOR = 13.56 (95% CI: 2.73–67.25); p = 0.001], with attitude [AOR = 4.07 (95% CI: 1.27–13.08); p = 0.018], with level of education [AOR = 10.22 (95% CI: 2.24–46.64); p = 0.003], with marital status [AOR = 0.07 (95% CI: 0.01–0.50); p = 0.008] and with number of clients per day [AOR = 0.13 (95% CI: 0.03–0.52); p = 0.004]. The attitude of barbers was also inadequate (58.7%). Attitude was significantly associated with the mode of learning the barbing profession [AOR = 0.32 (95% CI: 0.11–0.89); p = 0.029], and with level of knowledge [AOR = 5.48 (95% CI: 2.01–14.93); p = 0.001]. Majority of the participants exhibited poor prevention practices regarding HIV/AIDS (87.6%). Prevention practice was significantly associated with work experience [AOR = 24.92 (95% CI: 2.08–297.86); p = 0.011] and with level of knowledge [AOR = 12.57 (95% CI: 1.35–116.86); p = 0.026]. The barbers in Ho exhibited inadequate knowledge and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS, and also manifested poor prevention practices regarding HIV/AIDS. Programmes aimed at improving the knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices should be implemented among barbers, with focus on those without any formal education, those with less than five years work experience and those with more than ten clients a day

Cross-sectional study · Descriptive statistics · Environmental health · Family medicine · Marital status · Population · Public health · Demography · Medicine · Nursing · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Sex work and related issues · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

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