HIV prevention perception among barbers according to health belief model

The risk of contracting HIV through hairdressing equipment when using a razor for doing tattoos is increasing. This study aimed to determine the perceptions of the male barbers about AIDS preventive behaviors based on the health belief model. In a cross-sectional study of 104 male barbers, 89 subjects were selected. For collecting date, a valid and reliable questionnaire was used, in which questions on the perceived benefits and barriers, the perceived severity and susceptibility to AIDS and the most important cues to actions were included. Data were analyzed through SPSS-15, descriptive statistics, ANOVA, chi-square and correlation coefficient. Means of perceived barriers and perceived severity scores of preventing AIDS were higher than other perceptions and the mean of perceived susceptibility score was reported as less than other constructs. There was a significant relationship between education and perceived susceptibility, as well as age and perceived susceptibility. Results indicate a necessity for the design and implementation of appropriate educational interventions to increase the perceived susceptibility and decrease the perceived barriers to HIV prevention among the hairdressers.