الفهرس 
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an emerging global epidemic; some nations have been more drastically affected than others. Egypt reports the highest incidence in the world, with a prevalence rate of over 20%. Despite the alarming prevalence of the disease in the country, awareness of the disease is still low. Barbering is a very ancient profession, which is associated with the use of combs, towels, knives and blades etc, if these are not appropriately disinfected leads to transmission of a range of infections such as HCV&HBV. Aim of the study: Estimate the prevalence of both HCV and HBV infection among barbers and their customers in Assiut District and to assess knowledge and attitude of the study population regarding viral hepatitis and their practices during hair cutting and shaving to evaluate the educational health program among them. Methods: Quesi-experimental research design was used in this study included 350 participants (175 barbers and 175 customers) from Assiut District and City during the period from May 2012: February 2013. Data collected by using three tools; tool (1): interview form consisted of four parts; first part included demographic data. The second part included assessment of medical and surgical history of barbers and customers. The third part included assessment of knowledge regarding the HCV&HBV. Fourth part included serological blood tests. Tool (2): Likert scale used to assess attitude. Tool (3): observational checklist used to assess practices of barbers and their customers. Results: It was observed that one-third of barbers and more than one-quarter of customers their ages ranged from 25 - < 30 years. Regarding the educational level, more than half of barbers had secondary education while only (14.9%) of customers had university education. Over all seroprevalence of HCV and/or HBV among the participated sample was (8.6%). In referral to the level of knowledge regarding HCV & HBV it was noticed that the majority of barbers and their customers had poor knowledge. Conclusion: It was found that there was a statistical significant difference between barbers’ level of education and their knowledge regarding HCV&HBV. Also, there was a statistical significant difference among customers’ knowledge, their level of education and their residence. Recommendations: HCV and/or HBV prevention program must become a national priority in Egypt. Importance of periodic screening tests for HCV and HBV among high-risk populations such as barbers.
Key Words: HCV&HBV, Barbers, Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices.