Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior of Beauty Salon Workers Towards AIDS in Songhor

Background & Aims: Iran is one of three countries with two-thirds of new infection AIDS in ۲۰۱۸, reaching ۱۱,۰۰۰ new infections. Therefore, measuring the awareness and subsequent health behaviors of high-risk groups is essential. Materials and Methods: A total of ۱۵۰ beauty salon workers (BSWs) in Songhor, Kermanshah were randomly selected to participate in this study. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire in four sections (individual questions, knowledge, attitude and practice). Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics in SPSS ۲۰. Results: Regarding marital status ۸۰% were married with age distribution of ۱۶-۲۵ (۴%), ۲۶-۳۵ (۵۶%) and ۳۶-۵۰ (۴۰%), educational status ۴۸% diploma and ۶۸% of job experience of ۱-۱۰ years. Seventy-six percent of BSWs do tattoos for clients, ۳۳% never used disposable razors and ۲۸% disinfected the equipment incorrect. Their knowledge on HIV transmission methods was desirable, however was no significant correlation between knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) (P > ۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Health centers staff played a major role in the training of hairdressers, and in Iran, television and radio is facing serious restrictions on AIDS training and transmission and prevention methods. There is a need for training programs to improve the health behaviors of this high risk group.