Abstract:

Background: Barbering and hairdressing pose particular public health risks if they are not conducted in a safe and hygienic manner. These risks that include the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV (AIDS), Hepatitis B/C and scalp fungal infection may be both to the operator and the client. These essence of this study was to assess the awareness and practice of hair salon operators on infection control in Nyamagana District.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional survey, an interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to 239 salon operators who were randomly selected from all salons included in the study. Data was collected on socio-demographics information, awareness and practices related to infection control measures. The obtained data were entered in excel and finally analyzed by using SPSS version 20.

Results: The study involved 239 participants with majority being males 136/239 (56.9%). Of the 239 respondents, over 181 (75.7%) knew the fact that, infections can spread from one person to another during service delivery and Out 181, 61 respondents (33.7%) mentioned HIV/AIDS as among infections which can spread in saloons. Only 0.6% equal to one respondent from 181 knew the fact that hepatitis B/C can also spread in saloons.

Conclusion: Majority of participants had adequate awareness regarding the mode of spread of infection in saloons. Most of participants practiced infections control measures and furthermore use of masks and had washing practices predominated other hygiene practices.