Occupational Health Risks of Barbers: Knowledge, Practices, and Self-Reported Symptoms

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

2 Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni Sweif University

Abstract

Background: Barbers have been associated with a variety of self-reported symptoms,
including respiratory, allergy, and musculoskeletal problems. The current study aims to
investigate the workplace environmental condition, knowledge, and practices concerning
hazardous work exposure and recognize the potential occupational health complications and their
associated variables occupational health risks of barbers’ knowledge, practices, and self-reported
symptoms. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study including a random sampling
technique of 150 barbers was conducted at Diarb-Negm Center. A self-administered
questionnaire was used to record socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, description of
environmental conditions, self-reported health symptoms in the last six months and an
observational checklist to assess safe work practices of barbers. Results: Barbers having a
history of HCV and HBV infections were 8.7% and 1.3%, respectively. Moreover, 61.3% of
barbers have good knowledge. As well, 74.7% of barbers have correct practices. Additionally,
the most reported musculoskeletal complaints were shoulder arm pain (96.7%), and a respiratory
problem was cough (86.7 %). Furthermore, a significant association was detected between
respiratory issues, skin allergy and musculoskeletal symptoms with working hours per day and
years of experience. Conclusion: A minority of barbers have a history of both HCV and HBV
infections. Additionally, proper environmental conditions, knowledge, and safe practices of the
studied barbers were insufficient. Moreover, barbers self-reported symptom was high in
musculoskeletal complaints. Recommendations: Egyptian barbers should get pre-employment
health education, and barbershops should be inspected regularly

Keywords