Seroepidemilogical survey of hepatitis b virus infection amongst Barbars in Faislabad

ABSTRACT

Barbers who have occupational hazard of accidental exposure to blood are at increased risk for acquiring blood borne infections. There are many blood borne infections but hepatitis due to hepatitis B and C viruses is leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide including Pakistan. The objective of this study was to find the frequency of HBsAg in barbers and to assess their knowledge of this occupational risk. This is a cross-sectional epidemiologic survey, that was conducted at Faisalabad between Jan 2007 to March 2007. A total of 139 barbers working in Faisalabad city were included in the study. A closed structured questionnaire was filled to asses the knowledge and attitude of the barbers. HBsAg test was carried out by rapid test method for each barber. Mean age of barbers was 37.3 years and they had worked in the trade for an average of 15.9 years. Only 37 [26.62%] regarded hepatitis B as occupational hazard for barbers. HBsAg was positive in 4.63% of barbers working at hair dresser shops and 6.45% of roadside barbers. Awareness about the occupational hazard of hepatitis B among barbers is poor. All means of prevention must be used to protect the health of these workers and of the general population