Prevention practices toward hepatitis B virus and associated factors among male barbers in the selected districts in Mogadishu, Somalia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Male barbers may contribute to hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission through occupational exposure to blood and contaminated instruments. However, evidence on HBV prevention practices among barbers in Somalia is limited. This study assessed the level of HBV prevention practices and factors associated with these practices among male barbers in selected districts of Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among male barbers working in registered and non-registered barbershops in Daynile, Hodan, Howl-Wadag, and Yaqshid districts of Mogadishu from 1 to 29 July 2026. A total of 768 eligible male barbers constituted the sampling frame, from which 384 participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, occupational factors, HBV-related knowledge and attitudes, and prevention practices. Prevention practices were classified as safe when participants correctly answered more than 50% of 12 practice questions. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with safe prevention practices. Results: Among the 384 participating barbers, 249 (64.84%) demonstrated unsafe HBV prevention practices, while 135 (35.16%) demonstrated safe practices. After adjustment, educational level, working hours, work experience, monthly income, and knowledge level were significantly associated with prevention practices. Barbers with no formal education had lower odds of safe practices than those with formal education (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12–0.55). Those working ≥ 8 hours per day had lower odds of safe practices than those working < 8 hours (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.09–0.45). Barbers with ≥ 5 years of experience also had lower odds of safe practices (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12–0.82). In contrast, those earning ≥ 100 USD per month had substantially higher odds of safe practices (AOR = 23.48, 95% CI: 9.40–58.64). Inadequate HBV knowledge was associated with lower odds of safe practices (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06–0.56). Age and attitude were not significantly associated with prevention practices in the multivariable model. Conclusion: Unsafe HBV prevention practices were common among male barbers in selected districts of Mogadishu. The findings indicate important gaps in routine infection prevention and suggest that educational, occupational, and economic conditions influence the implementation of safer practices. Targeted practical infection-control training, periodic refresher education, improved access to affordable prevention materials, and strengthened HBV screening and vaccination services should be considered to reduce occupational and community risks of HBV transmission among barbers in Mogadishu.