The Effects of Interventional Health Education on the Conditions of Hairdressing Salons and Hairdressers Behaviors

Abstract

Background: There are many hazards in the hairdressing industry that may result in illness or injury for both workers and clients, with new or inexperienced apprentices being at greater risk. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of an interventional education program for hairdressing employees. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 139 hairdressing salons situated in Semnan, Iran from 2006 to 2007. The condition of the hairdressing salon and behaviors of hairdressers were evaluated by a questionnaire before and after the administration of the educational intervention program. Hairdressers participated in various health-educational modules with in-depth knowledge on all relevant aspects of hairdressing conditions and occupational safety behaviors and preventive measures. Results: The findings revealed a significant improvement in most items especially for environment of salons, use of personal instruments, waste disposal, safety and healthy behaviors of hairdressers (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found for the items of washing systems (P = 0.725), and doors and windows condition (P = 0.267) before and after the intervention. When comparing behaviors between women and men salons, all items significantly improved in women. Men did not show significant improvement in items of hand washing (P = 0.265), use of garment (P = 0.21), and disinfection (P = 1.00) and sterilization procedures (P = 1.00). Conclusions: The intervention was successful in improving most aspects of hairdressing. In women, safety and healthy behaviors were affected more than men. However, in men salons, environmental and physical conditions had greater improvement. We suggest that health educational programs for hairdressers should be integrated into their training course.