Sexual practices and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections among hairdressers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The environment in salons provides hairdressers the opportunity to discuss sexual exploits which may promote unhealthy sexual behaviour and increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim of the study was to determine sexual practices and knowledge and experience of STIs among hairdressers.

The study was carried out in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. A total of 1700 hairdressers were selected by cluster sampling technique. Predictors of risky sexual behaviour, knowledge and experience of STIs were identified.

Their mean age was 27.0 ± 8.1 years, 860 (50.6%) were single. Majority of them, 1453(85.5%) had ever had sex. The mean age at sexual debut was 15.9 years. Mean knowledge score of STIs was 14.0 out of 25. Only 158(9.3%) experienced symptoms of STIs in the last 12 months. Among singles, senior secondary education was a predictor of ever had sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–3.13), good knowledge of STIs (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.45–2.83) and experience of STIs in the last 12 months (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.53–3.13).

Hairdressers, especially singles, are a vulnerable group at risk of reproductive health morbidities. There is a need to focus reproductive health interventions on this occupational group.

Keywords::

• hairdressers
• sexual practices
• sexually transmitted infections

Acknowledgement

This project was supported by Physicians for Social Responsibility Finland (PSR-Finland) as part of the monitoring and evaluation activities of a development cooperation project. The participation of the executive committee and members of the Nigerian Beauticians/Hairdressers Association in Ibadan is also gratefully acknowledged.

Declaration of interest: We declare no potential conflict of interests with respect to authorship and/or publication of this article.