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The objective of this study was to examine self-reported occupational health risks and health complaints of barbers and hairdressers. A total of 1284 individuals from 300 workplaces in Izmir participated in this study. The workers completed the questionnaires during their training in occupational health. Self-reported symptoms were allergy: 35% and musculoskeletal symptoms: 32%. The frequency of allergy complaints was found to be significantly higher in older individuals and in women. Allergic complaints were more frequent in i) those having history of allergy, ii) in the group where the use of protective clothing and gloves was lower, iii) in smokers and in those who found ventilation in the workplace to be inadequate. Only 41.2% reported that they used gloves and 15.2% reported the use of protective clothing within the last month. It appears that poor occupational factors in barbers' salons and exposure to hairdressing chemicals bring about health problems of the hairdressers.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in barbers and to assess the awareness of these employees related to occupational risks of HBV and HCV. Materials and Methods: In this study, 2145 barbers in Izmir were given an occupational safety seminar. Blood samples were collected from 2066 voluntary participants and 1284 individuals completed the questionnaires. Sera were tested for the presence of HBV and HCV markers by ELISA. Results: Our results document low levels of knowledge about HBV and HCV infection, risk perception and adequate protection among participants before the seminar session. Of the participants, 63.5% reported that they had suffered from equipment-related injuries during the last month. The prevalence of HBsAg positive and anti-HCV individuals of the 2066 person was found to be 2.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Hairdressers' knowledge of HBV, HCV and health hazards associated with their profession was inadequate. The prevalence of HBsAg positive and anti-HCV was similar to that among the general population.

Introduction: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is an incomplete virus dependent on hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its multiplication. It can infect individuals with active HBV infection and cause severe liver disease. It is less prevalent than hepatitis B virus, but it causes more serious clinical pictures. In this study we investigated anti-HDV seroprevalance and epidemiological features among HBsAg seropositive outclinic patients at Izmir Tepecik Educational and Research Hospital. Methodology: Serum samples collected from outpatients at Izmir Tepecik Educational and Research Hospital between 1 September 2007 and 30 August 2009 were evaluated. Anti-HDV assay was performed by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Patients over the age of fourteen who were referred to our hospital were taken into the study. Results: Out of 3,094 HBsAg positive patients, 79 (2.5%) had anti-HDV IgG seroprevalance. Of these 79 patients, 42 were hepatitis B carriers, 34 had chronic hepatitis B, two had liver cirrhosis, and one had hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: Although superinfection and co-infection of HDV are less prevalent than hepatitis B infection, the prognosis is worse as the response to therapy is poor; therefore, patients with hepatitis B should be evaluated further for HDV infection.