Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses: Awareness and safe practices of hairdressers in Izmir - A survey

Kose Ş., Mandiracioglu A., Oral A. M., Emek M., Gozaydin A., Kuzucu L., ...Daha Fazla

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, cilt.24, sa.3, ss.275-282, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 24 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2011
  • Doi Numarası: 10.2478/s13382-011-0032-0
  • Dergi Adı: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.275-282
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Knowledge, Attitudes, Blood-borne infections, Hairdresser, Barber, Seroprevalance, POTENTIAL SOURCE, INFECTION, KNOWLEDGE, RISK, SKIN
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in barbers and to assess the awareness of these employees related to occupational risks of HBV and HCV. Materials and Methods: In this study, 2145 barbers in Izmir were given an occupational safety seminar. Blood samples were collected from 2066 voluntary participants and 1284 individuals completed the questionnaires. Sera were tested for the presence of HBV and HCV markers by ELISA. Results: Our results document low levels of knowledge about HBV and HCV infection, risk perception and adequate protection among participants before the seminar session. Of the participants, 63.5% reported that they had suffered from equipment-related injuries during the last month. The prevalence of HBsAg positive and anti-HCV individuals of the 2066 person was found to be 2.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Conclusions Hairdressers' knowledge of HBV, HCV and health hazards associated with their profession was inadequate. The prevalence of HBsAg positive and anti-HCV was similar to that among the general population.