DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2022.v10i01.022

Pages: 130-137

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried in Khartoum state, Sudan from 2015-2021 among hairdresser. Field work to measure the prevalence rate of hepatitis B and know the risk factors related with this prevalence was done from September 2019 to January 2020. A sample of 274 hairdressers in 31 administrative units within the seven localities in Khartoum state were enrolled randomly in the study using cluster sample and proportionate probability procedure [1, 2]. Verbal data were collected by a structured questionnaire and check list, and four ml of preferable blood was taken from each participant (after interviewing him/her) for laboratory analysis to look for HbsAg. Verbal data (questionnaire) were analyzed by SPSS software version 25 and blood specimens were analyzed by ELISA-test using murex ABsAg commercial kits which are used to detect HBsAg in human serum or plasma [1-5]. Important factors related with hepatitis B prevalence were; marital status, educational level, nature and duration of work, number of clients per day, exposure to wounds at work or at health facility, sharing syringes or reusing razors/sharps, not wearing gloves and not sterilizing the shaving machine after serving clients. Important conclusions were; hepatitis B prevalence was not associated with marital status, education, direct touching of shaving sites and not using gloves and reusing of instruments without sterilizing them, negligence in the importance of personal protection equipment (PPE) and vaccination coupled with rare supervision by health authority, and lack of infection control in work place. Important recommendations were; health education and training for all hairdressers (including road side barbers) on blood diseases and the importance of periodic examination, intensive supervision by health authorities to barbers shops and a manual on health instructions and safety to be distributed to them, provision of vaccine for this risky group with suitable cost and ..........