AEGiS-15IAC: Evaluation of HIV occupational risk amongst traditional barbers and itinerent nail cutters in North West Nigeria.

15th International AIDS Conference


Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

DonateNow
Print this article

Evaluation of HIV occupational risk amongst traditional barbers and itinerent nail cutters in North West Nigeria.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10381)

Isaac WE, lawali M
Hospital, Gombe, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: To evaluate risk of exposure to HIV amongst traditional barbers (TB) and itinerant nail cutters (INC).

METHODS: Questionnaire and interview of 150 itinerant nail cutters and 150 traditional barbers in Zamfara.

RESULTS: 133(92%) TBs and 123(82%) of INCs have heard of HIV/AIDS.136 (84%) of TBs and 90(60 %) of INC report sex as major source of HIV/AIDS, 10(15%) of TBs and 45(30%) of INCs don't know how one gets AIDS.124 (83%) TBs use hot/boiled water to clean their instruments, soap and water by 110(72.8%) and Methylated spirit by 3(4.5%) of INCs. 8(12%) of TBs use surgical gloves. All clean their instruments in between clients. No INC uses gloves and cleans his instruments in between clients.63(42%) of TBs report male circumcision bleeds the most, 60(40%) hymenectomy. 77(51%) of TBs come in contact with blood. 95(63%) wash hands with water, 45(30%) clean with cloth and 6(4%) with methylated spirit. Injury with bleeding occurs in average two out of 10 clients of INCs 41(27.2%). Site is the hand for 106 (70%) INCs and the legs for 38(25%) of INCs.80 (53%) of INC and 61(40%) of TBs have heard their occupation can transmit HIV infection to themselves and their clients. 98(65%) of INC and 82(58%) of TBs don't think their instruments can transmit HIV. 117(78%) of INC and 44(29%) of TBs do not think they can get HIV from their clients. 17(11%) of INCs and 6(4%) report their contracting HIV could be an act of God. 33(22%) of INCs and 87(58%) of TBs don't know if their clients can infect them with HIV. Precaution against HIV include not engaging in sex 69(46%) of TBs and 77(51%) of INC, God will protect 36(24%) of TBs and 45(30%) of INCs.

CONCLUSION: INCs and TBs and their clients are at high risk of exposure to HIV.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Nigeria, Humans, Male, methods

040711
D10381

Copyright © 2004 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.