EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ULTRA VIOLET STERILIZERS AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN BARBERSHOP EQUIPMENT’S

Background: Barbershops are high-contact environments where shared grooming tools frequently come into contact with clients’ skin and hair, increasing the risk of transmitting infectious microorganisms. Staphylococcus aureus—a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections—poses a significant health concern when hygiene standards are inadequate. The growing emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), underscores the urgent need for reliable, non-chemical sterilization methods to ensure public safety. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) sterilization in reducing S. aureus contamination on commonly used barbershop tools, including scissors, trimmers, combs, and blade holders. It also sought to compare microbial loads between UV-sterilized and non-UV-sterilized environments to support the use of UV as a sustainable infection control strategy. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan, involving 64 barbershop samples—32 from UV-sterilized and 32 from non-UV-sterilized tools. Swab samples were cultured, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted using a semi-automatic colony counter. The mean CFU counts between groups were statistically analyzed using an independent samples t-test to determine the efficacy of UV sterilization. Results: Tools from non-UV barbershops demonstrated an average of 48.81 CFUs, whereas UV-treated tools showed a markedly lower mean of 7.19 CFUs. The difference was statistically significant (t(33.15) = -9.656, p < 0.001), with a mean reduction of 41.63 CFUs (95% CI: -50.39, -32.86). These findings confirm that UV sterilization significantly minimizes S. aureus contamination on grooming equipment. Conclusion: Ultraviolet sterilization is an efficient, non-chemical, and practical approach for reducing bacterial contamination in barbershops. Its regular implementation can improve hygiene standards, reduce infection risks, and support community-level public health initiatives.