RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: this study aims to describe the knowledge, attitude and practices of hairdressers about HIV infection in Lomé. METHODS: we conducted a descriptive study whose population included hair salon owners and apprentices in the Agoè-Nyivé prefecture, Lomé, between October 1 2016 and March 31 2017. The different parameters studied were data on the general knowledge about HIV, attitudes and practices about HIV/AIDS in the hair salons. RESULTS: a total of 203 owners and apprentices were interviewed in the 68 hair salons in the Agoè-Nyivé prefecture. The study population (100%) knew about HIV/AIDS. Among the participants, 79.3% of them defined it as a sexually transmitted infection. Gloves and aprons were worn before some hairstyling gestures in 33 (51.5%) and 35 (48.5%) hair salons respectively. Moreover, in 60 (88.2%) hair salons, sharp instruments were disinfected prior to their use. However, alcohol was the disinfectant the most commonly used by the majority of the staff of hairdressing salons (89.3%). Moreover, boiling for an average of 7 minutes was performed by 79.8% of hairdressers. In the event of blood exposure accident, 69.6% of staff of hair salons cleaned the exposed site with alcohol. CONCLUSION: this study shows that hairdressers and their apprentices have good knowledge about HIV infection/AIDS, its modes of transmission and prevention means in hair salons. However, it highlights that the disinfection of soiled equipment and the behaviour of hairdressers and their apprentices in the case of blood exposure accident are sometimes improper.