Seroprevalence, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Barbers and Their Customers Regarding HCV and HBV in Assiut District, Egypt

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an emerging global epidemic disease. Egypt reports the highest incidence in the world. Aim of the study: To estimate seroprevalence and to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding HCV and HBV among barbers and their customers in Assiut District, Egypt. Methods: Quesi-experimental research design carried out in Assiut District and City. Included 350 participants (175 barbers and 175 customers). Data collected by using three tools; tool (1): interview form consisted of four parts; first part included demographic data. The second part included assessment of medical and surgical history of barbers and customers. The third part included assessment of knowledge regarding the HCV&HBV. Fourth part: Included serological blood tests to detect infection with HCV and HBV. Tool (2): Included Likert attitude scale. Tool (3): Observational checklist to assess practices of barbers and customers. Results: Majority of barbers and their customers (88.6% and 80.6% respectively) had poor knowledge regarding HCV and HBV. Over all prevalence of HBV and/or HCV among the participated sample was (8.6%). Conclusion: The majority of the seropositive barbers had a history of exposure to blood during their barbing practice. As well as, (16.7%) of the seropositive customers had conducted a surgical operation. Recommendations: Importance of periodic screening tests for HCV and HBV among high-risk populations such as barbers.