Knowledge of Disease Transmission, Disinfection Practices and Fungal Contamination of Tools among Barbers in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Main Article Content
Abstract
Barbershops inherently pose significant public health risks through the use of sharp instruments and direct skin contact. This study assessed the knowledge of disease transmission among barbers, evaluated disinfection practices, and determined the level of fungal contamination of barbing tools in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study employing stratified random sampling was conducted among 30 professional barbers across three strata of Awka metropolis. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess awareness and hygiene practices, while 120 swab samples were collected from clippers, combs, brushes and scissors before and after disinfection for mycological analysis using standard mycological procedures. Results showed that although 53.3% of barbers were aware that diseases could be transmitted through barbering tools, only 23.3% disinfected tools after each customer. Hygiene practices were inconsistent; while 46.7% barbers disinfect clippers before and after use, 53.3% cleaned accessories only once daily. All sampled tools (100%) were contaminated with fungi before disinfection while 42.5% remained contaminated after disinfection, despite the use of petrol, methylated spirit, heat, and combined heat-chemical method. The reduction in contamination after disinfection was statistically significant (McNemar's test, p < 0.001). Aspergillus niger (44.0%) was the predominant isolate, followed by Penicillium spp. (23.9%) and Candida albicans (19.3%). Brushes exhibited the highest post-disinfection contamination rate (60.0%), while clippers showed the lowest (30.0%). Highest number of fungal isolates (42.5%) was recorded within Ifite stratum, while Amaenyi stratum was least at 26.6%. No significant association was observed between fungal species and tool type (p = 0.802), nor between prevalence across study strata (p = 0.907). The study concludes that despite moderate awareness, a critical knowledge-practice gap exists among barbers in Awka, and highlights the persistence of fungal contamination despite routine disinfection practices.
Article Details
How to Cite
Anyaoha, V. I., Egbo, A. T., Ekwealor, C. C., Anaukwu, C. G., Abba, O., & Nwaokoro, A.-P. C. (2026). Knowledge of Disease Transmission, Disinfection Practices and Fungal Contamination of Tools among Barbers in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The Bioscientist Journal, 14(2), 57-63. https://doi.org/10.54117/the_bioscientist.v14i2.217
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
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Jatheesh, K. S., Reshma, V. A., Shokandha, S., Sivakami, R., and Maju, A. (2025). Knowledge and practice regarding Hepatitis B virus infection among barbers of South West District of Delhi: A cross-sectional study. Indian Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine, 56(3), 344–351. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17096516
Kuh, G. F., Karimo, O., Chia, P. N., Anchang, K. Y., Kuiate, J.-R., and Agbor, T. A. (2021). Disinfection practices and knowledge of hair care professional barbers in the city of Dschang, Cameroon. Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing, 85, 30–41.
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Ngoupa, J. B., Njukeng, P. A., Akwa, E. N., Kengne, M., Tamoufe, U., Ter Goon, D., and Nwobegahay, J. (2019). Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among barbers and their clients in two cities in Cameroon. Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases, 34(1), 1-5.
Nwanna, G. C., and Ezenagu, V. C. (1995). The Impact of physical planning on property values in Awka Capital City. Environmental Studies and Res. Journal. Vol, 1, 83-94.
Oladipo, T., Yusuf, A, and Ahmed. (2021). Assessment of infection control awareness among barbers in urban Nigeria. African Journal of Health Promotion, 12(2), 45-53.
Prakash, P. Y., and Bhargava, K. (2016). A modified micro chamber agar spot slide culture technique for microscopic examination of filamentous fungi. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 123, 126-129.
Sajjadi, S. A., Chavoshani, A., Mohamadzade, A., and Chavoshani, M. (2015). The relationship between barber knowledge and microbial infections from device used of beauty salons in Gonabad, Iran. Journal of Research and Health, 5(3), 250-256.
Shekeri, K.,Sadeghi,M.,Deris, F.,Amani, S., Teimouri,F. and Zebardast, N. (2011). Evaluation of bacterial and fungal contamination of equipments used in ladies and gentleman barbers in Shahrekord, 2009. Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, 13: 102- 107.
Sheppard, D. C., Locas, M. C., Restieri, C., and Laverdiere, M. (2008). Utility of the germ tube test for direct identification of Candida albicans from positive blood culture bottles. Journal of clinical microbiology, 46(10), 3508-3509.
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Suresh, K. P., and Chandrashekara, S. (2012). Sample size estimation and power analysis for clinical research studies. Journal of human reproductive sciences, 5(1), 7-13.
Tijjani, A., Usman, G. U., Gurama, A. U., Babura, S. R., Aliyu, M., and Adamu, A. D. (2019). Fungicidal activity of crude extracts from some indigenous medicinal plants against Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer causing wet rot disease on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits. Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 12(1), 12–18.
Trüeb, R. M., and Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2023). Fungal diseases of the hair and scalp. In Hair in infectious disease: recognition, treatment, and prevention (pp. 151-195). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Yusha'u, M., Muhammad, J. G., and Hamza, M. M. (2025). Dermatophytic contamination of some hair salon tools within Kano Metropolis. Science World Journal, 20(2), 477–480. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/swj.v20i2.3
Zenbaba, D., Sahiledengle, B., Yassin, A., Beressa, G., Desta, F., Engida, Z. T., ... and Geleta, E. N. (2023). Barbers’ compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors in selected towns, Southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ open, 13(10), e074495.
Adomi, P. O. (2020). Awareness of disease transmission by barbers in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. FUPRE Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 4(2), 1–8.
Agi, V. N., Ollor, O. A., Azike, C. A., and Maduforo, C. G. (2023). Microorganisms associated with barbers’ clippers in Rivers State University and its environs, Nigeria. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 35(9), 19–28.
Al Yousef, S. A. (2021). Degree of bacterial contamination in barbershops using hair dryers in Riyadh. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28(5), 2692-2694.
Agu, K. C.and Chiedozie, C. P. (2021). An improved slide culture technique for the Microscopic identification of fungal species. International Journal of Trends in Scientific Research and Development,6(1),243-254.
Arulogun, O. S., and Adesoro, M. O. (2009). Potential risk of HIV transmission in barbering practice among professional barbers in Ibadan, Nigeria. African Health Sciences, 9(1), 19–25.
Aso, R. E., Hammuel, C., Ade, T. I., Briska, J., and Hyelnaya, C. S. (2022). Microbial contamination of applied instrument in female hair-dressers salon in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. European Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 3(2), 45–48. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejbio.2022.3.2.361
Baghdadi, H. B., Omer, E. O., Metwally, D. M., and Abdel-Gaber, R. (2021). Prevalence of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation among schools’ workers in the Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28(10), 5662-5666.
Belayneh, F. (2015). Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among HIV positive adults attending ART Clinic at Hawassa referral hospital, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Open Access Library Journal, 2(05), 1.
Bhadmus, I. (2023). Beauty and personal care sector: investment opportunities in Nigeria. Available at SSRN 4621706.
Britsch, J. M., Bereswill, S., and Heimesaat, M. M. (2024). Infections acquired in barbershops–A review. European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology, 14(4), 366-372.
Chand, D., Mohammadnezhad, M., and Khan, S. (2022). Levels and predictors of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the health hazards associated with barber’s profession in Fiji. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 59, 1–10.
Coulibaly, O., Thera, M. A., Piarroux, R., Doumbo, O. K., and Ranque, S. (2015). High dermatophyte contamination levels in hairdressing salons of a West African suburban community. Mycoses, 58, 65–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/myc.12272
Del Giudice, P. (2020). Skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Acta dermato-venereologica, 100(9), 5725.
Devadas, S.M., Ballal, M., Prakash, P.Y., Hande, M.H., Bhat, G.V., Mohandas, V. (2017).Auxanographic carbohydrate assimilation method for large scale yeast identification. Journal of Clinical Diagnostic Research. 11(4):1. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2017/25967.9653.
Ebuara, F. U., Imarenezor, E. P. K., Brown, S. T. C., Aso, R. E., Obasi, B. C., and Tyovenda, E. T. (2020). Isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms associated with barbers’ equipment in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. FUW Trends in Science and Technology Journal, 5(1), 215–218.
Enemuor, S. C., Atabo, A. R., and Oguntibeju, O. O. (2012). Evaluation of microbiological hazards in barbershops in a university setting. Scientific Research and Essays, 7(9), 1100–1102. https://doi.org/10.5897/SRE11.2059
Eze, E.M., Ezebialu, C., Unegbu, V and Nneji, I. R. (2019). Prevalence of keratinophiic fungi and other dermatophytes from soils of Nnewi in Anambra state,Nigeria.Novel Research in Microbiology Journal, 3(3):379-386
Hussein, S. A., Osman, M. M., Abdulle, Y. S., Hussein, A. A., Md, A. A. T., Nur, A. M., ... and Umeokonkwo, C. D. (2025). Knowledge, attitude, and practice of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention among barbing and beauty salon operators in Mogadishu, Somalia, 2024. BMC public health, 25(1), 696.
Ibrahim, M. T., Opara, W. E., and Tanimomo, T. (2007). Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, infection prevention practices and accidental skin cuts in barbing saloons in Sokoto, Nigeria. Nigerian Medical Practitioner, 51(6), 123-127.
Jatheesh, K. S., Reshma, V. A., Shokandha, S., Sivakami, R., and Maju, A. (2025). Knowledge and practice regarding Hepatitis B virus infection among barbers of South West District of Delhi: A cross-sectional study. Indian Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine, 56(3), 344–351. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17096516
Kuh, G. F., Karimo, O., Chia, P. N., Anchang, K. Y., Kuiate, J.-R., and Agbor, T. A. (2021). Disinfection practices and knowledge of hair care professional barbers in the city of Dschang, Cameroon. Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing, 85, 30–41.
Mevo, K. G. (2019). Sustainability strategies of barber salons (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).
National Barbers Association. (2024, July 30). Barber tool sanitation: Barbershop tool sanitation, everything you need to know. National Barbers Association. https://nationalbarbers.org/barber-tool-sanitation/
Ngoupa, J. B., Njukeng, P. A., Akwa, E. N., Kengne, M., Tamoufe, U., Ter Goon, D., and Nwobegahay, J. (2019). Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among barbers and their clients in two cities in Cameroon. Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases, 34(1), 1-5.
Nwanna, G. C., and Ezenagu, V. C. (1995). The Impact of physical planning on property values in Awka Capital City. Environmental Studies and Res. Journal. Vol, 1, 83-94.
Oladipo, T., Yusuf, A, and Ahmed. (2021). Assessment of infection control awareness among barbers in urban Nigeria. African Journal of Health Promotion, 12(2), 45-53.
Prakash, P. Y., and Bhargava, K. (2016). A modified micro chamber agar spot slide culture technique for microscopic examination of filamentous fungi. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 123, 126-129.
Sajjadi, S. A., Chavoshani, A., Mohamadzade, A., and Chavoshani, M. (2015). The relationship between barber knowledge and microbial infections from device used of beauty salons in Gonabad, Iran. Journal of Research and Health, 5(3), 250-256.
Shekeri, K.,Sadeghi,M.,Deris, F.,Amani, S., Teimouri,F. and Zebardast, N. (2011). Evaluation of bacterial and fungal contamination of equipments used in ladies and gentleman barbers in Shahrekord, 2009. Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, 13: 102- 107.
Sheppard, D. C., Locas, M. C., Restieri, C., and Laverdiere, M. (2008). Utility of the germ tube test for direct identification of Candida albicans from positive blood culture bottles. Journal of clinical microbiology, 46(10), 3508-3509.
Statista. (2026). Hair care – Nigeria [Market forecast]. Statista. Retrieved March 20, 2026, from https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/beauty-personal-care/personal-care/hair-care/nigeria
Suresh, K. P., and Chandrashekara, S. (2012). Sample size estimation and power analysis for clinical research studies. Journal of human reproductive sciences, 5(1), 7-13.
Tijjani, A., Usman, G. U., Gurama, A. U., Babura, S. R., Aliyu, M., and Adamu, A. D. (2019). Fungicidal activity of crude extracts from some indigenous medicinal plants against Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer causing wet rot disease on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits. Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 12(1), 12–18.
Trüeb, R. M., and Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2023). Fungal diseases of the hair and scalp. In Hair in infectious disease: recognition, treatment, and prevention (pp. 151-195). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Yusha'u, M., Muhammad, J. G., and Hamza, M. M. (2025). Dermatophytic contamination of some hair salon tools within Kano Metropolis. Science World Journal, 20(2), 477–480. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/swj.v20i2.3
Zenbaba, D., Sahiledengle, B., Yassin, A., Beressa, G., Desta, F., Engida, Z. T., ... and Geleta, E. N. (2023). Barbers’ compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors in selected towns, Southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ open, 13(10), e074495.