Examining the influence of HIV knowledge and perceived vulnerability to HIV/AIDS on attitude towards use of personal clipper in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

As stakeholders continue to sensitise the Nigerian people about the causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS; little emphasis however, appears to be placed in attitudes of people toward the use of personal clippers when they go to barbing saloons. The study examined the influence of HIV knowledge and perceived vulnerability on attitude towards the use of personal clippers among customers. In a cross sectional survey, 253 (181 males & 72 females) customers patronizing barbing saloons in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria responded to self-report questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using t-test for independent samples. HIV knowledge has no significant influence on attitude towards use of personal clipper. Perceived vulnerability has significant influence on attitude toward use of personal clipper. No gender difference was found in attitudes toward use of personal clipper. It is concluded that how individuals assess their vulnerability to contracting HIV/AIDS infection matters in determining their attitudes toward use of personal clippers when they go for hair-cut in barbing saloons.