An Observational Study on Barbers’ Practices and Associated Health Hazard in Fiji

BACKGROUND: The barbers’ work is associated to many infectious diseases which lead to major cause of morbidity and mortality in human’s population globally. This study aimed to determine barbers’ practices and health hazards associated with their profession in Fiji.

MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross sectional quantitative study was conducted to collect data from 50 observational sessions among barbers in Suva, Fiji in 2020. A sample of 25 barbers were randomly selected to participate in this study. A checklist was used to record and collect data. Out of the 25 barbershops observed none of them carried out any form of sterilization.

RESULTS: Only 4 (16%) did some form of disinfection with home bleach and savalon randomly while 84% did not have any form of decontamination in place. The results further illustrate that 22 (88%) of the disinfection were not potent while 3 (12%) were unknown. Similarly, 22 (88%) had inappropriate methods of disinfection and 3 (12%) were questionable. None of the barbershops observed had supply of hot water and only 15 (60%) had sufficient privy and hand washing facilities. Furthermore, only 6 (24%) used PPEs compared to 19 (76%) were in non-compliance.

CONCLUSION: This finding calls for immediate attention of authorities to enforce relevant laws and create awareness and training to improve standards in barbering profession.