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Abstract
Sharing of razor-blade in saloons and risk of spreading HIV in Bangladesh
Chanda S.K.1, Khan K.H.2
Introduction: Bangladesh is still a low-prevalence but high-risk country for spreading HIV/AIDS. Traditional and low-income Barbers in Bangladesh carry on their existence by providing shaving and hairdressing service in the bazaar and in the street-side, commonly known as Saloon. Clients are always at risk of being infected with HIV through minor cut injuries, since they are exposed to same steel-razor used and rubbing of the face by a piece of copper-alum as after-shave. A good number of clients are from high-risk behavior group for HIV like day-labor, rickshaw-puller, truck-driver, fisherman etc. as shown in National HIV and Behavioral Surveillance 2003. Objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge of these barbers regarding HIV/AIDS and risk of transmission through razor-blade sharing.
Methods: 300 barbers working in rural and slum areas in and around Dhaka city were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Information regarding knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its transmission, exposure to infection and precaution was collected.
Results: 9% barbers completed primary education. They have very little understanding about occupational risk. They receive average 40 clients per day. 87% barbers heard about sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS, 19% are aware about transmission through blood transfusion. 7.5% know about spread of by using same razor. But they don’t practice modern razor because of its price, and also claimed copper-alum as “killer of any germ”.
Conclusions: Overall awareness about occupational risk of HIV is very poor. Lack of knowledge about HIV infection and high-risk behavior is an alert for risk of spreading HIV, may contribute seriously to HIV/AIDS epidemic in Bangladesh. It emphasizes the need for target-group oriented advocacy program to create awareness among barbers and conveying information in this concern, focused on motivation and to educate barbers for practicing modern and safe shaving equipment.
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Abstract no.
WePe10.5P02
Suggested Citation
"ChandaS.K., et al.
Sharing of razor-blade in saloons and risk of spreading HIV in Bangladesh.
Poster Exhibition:
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment:
Abstract no.
WePe10.5P02"
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