Knowledge on Prevention of Allergic Reactions and Associated Factors among Beauticians in Selected Beauty Salons in the Biyagama Medical Officer of Health Area

Abstract

An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction initiated by immunological mechanisms. Beauticians work with cosmetic products which contain allergens. They should be able to identify and prevent allergies associated with cosmetics. The objective of study was to describe the knowledge of beauticians in selected beauty salons on prevention of allergic reactions and associated factors for their knowledge. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among beauticians in selected beauty salons in Biyagama MOH area using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed by using a 10 item questionnaire. The possible range of the knowledge score was 0-25 which was then converted to 0-100 and categorized as ‘Good’ if ≥75%, ‘Moderate’ if 50%-75% and ‘Poor’ if <50%. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26.0. Comparisons were made between mean knowledge scores of beauticians from different socio-demographic and service related categories using the independent sample t-test. The level of significance was considered as p<0.05. Response rate was 82% (n=107). The majority were females (57%,N=61). The mean age was 32.6 years (SD=±9.16). The mean knowledge score was 55.25% (SD±11.34) with 71.96% (N=77) having a ‘Moderate’ knowledge. Only 1.87% (N=2) had ‘Good’ knowledge. Knowledge scores were significantly higher among beauticians who are females (T=2.57, df=105, p=0.011), educated ≥A/L (T=-3.45, df=105, p=0.001), having professional qualifications (T=5.88, df=105, p=0.000), trained on skin care (T=2.26, df=105, p=0.026), and bridal dressing (T=2.52, df=105, p=0.013). The majority of beauticians had moderate level of knowledge on prevention of an allergic reaction. Higher level of knowledge was observed among female beauticians with higher educational, professional qualifications, trained on skin care, bridal dressing.