Current status of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of barbers regarding transmission and prevention of hepatitis B and C virus in the north-west part of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study in 2020

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and preventative practices among barbers regarding Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) viral infection in Rajshahi city of Bangladesh. Study design: This was a prospective observational study. Methods: This study was conducted from January to June 2020. A questionnaire was adapted from existing knowledge attitude and practice surveys regarding HBV and HCV infection. Data were collected from barbers by face to face interview by trained interviewers. A knowledge score was calculated by giving one point for each correct response to the knowledge-related items, with a maximum score of 17. Associations between knowledge and patient characteristics were assessed by Welch's t-test. Results: A total of 403 barbers were enrolled with a mean age of 29.2 +/- 7.4 years. Of participants, the majority of barbers were either illiterate or had education up to primary school (232, 57.5%). 41.2%, 33.7%, and 25.1% barbers knew that HBV and HCV could be transmitted through sexual route, blood transfusion, and shaving instruments respectively. A lower knowledge level was associated with a lower level of education (P < 0.001). Most of the participants agreed that it was essential to have periodic screening tests for HBV and HCV infection (318, 78.9%). Only 12.2% of the barbers were vaccinated against HBV. 57.1% of the barbers cleaned their instruments with disinfectant between clients. Most of them used a new blade on new clients (401, 99.5%) and disposed of the used blades into the regular garbage system (371,92.1%) Conclusions: Poor knowledge regarding transmission and prevention of HBV and HCV was found among barbers which could be one of the major causes of transmission of those infections in the community. The concerned authority should pay attention to the problems and can take specific measures to increase awareness of the barbers to prevent transmission of HBV and HCV from the barber's shop.