Knowledge, attitude, and practice of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention among barbing and beauty salon operators in Somalia, 2024

Introduction : HIV/AIDS is a global public health issue affecting 40.4 million lives. Barbershops and beauty salons pose health risks due to the use of sharp tools, which can transmit blood-borne diseases like HIV. Training and capacity building can enhance service quality and prevent disease transmission. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention among barbing and beauty salon operators in Somalia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 barbers and beauty salon operators in Districts Mogadishu selected using multistage sampling techniques from September 2023 to June 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice about HIV/AIDs transmission and prevention. The factors associated with the knowledge, attitude and practice of the barbers and beauty salon operators about HIV/AIDs were explored using multiple logistic regression. Data was analyzed using Stata Version 15. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27±6.6 years. A majority 65.3% (261/400) were males, 52.8% (211/400) were single, and 77.0% (308/400) had no formal education. Only 23.0% (92/400) had good knowledge, 19.0% (76/400) had a good attitude, and 6.5% (26/400) had good practice towards HIV transmission and prevention. Participants with secondary education have a higher odds of having a good attitude than those with primary and non-formal education though the difference was not significant (AOR = 1.0 (95% CI: 0.37–3.93, p = 0.941). Conclusion : Barbers' awareness and education about HIV/AIDS and age-related factors contributing to infection spread are poor, and local health authorities could significantly reduce the spread of these pathogens through occupational hazards training.