Eric R Walsh-Buhi, Margaret L Walsh-Buhi, Hannah Javidi, Rebecca F Houghton, Alexandra T Hughes-Wegner, Debby Herbenick
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Pubic hair removal (PHR) is a common practice, and many seek PHR from a skincare professional, or esthetician. Estheticians occupy a unique role in which they often have deep, trusting relationships and well-established rapport with their clientele, whereby they could serve as trusted providers of skin and beauty expertise, but also health promotion partners/facilitators. The purpose of this study is to explore the frequency of esthetician involvement regarding 7 potentially concerning health-related symptoms on their clients' skin and examine estheticians' comfort engaging in discussions about health, knowledge regarding these health issues, and interest in being more formally involved in their clients' health.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered between March-August 2023. Potential participants were identified using purposive sampling of Yelp listings (of hair removal/waxing salons), supplemented by snowball sampling, in 11 pre-selected U.S. metropolitan areas. N=359 estheticians who provide PHR services completed an online Qualtrics survey (97.5% women; 36.2% White, 24.0% Black, 20.1% Hispanic).
Results: The most noticed, discussed, and referred issue among the sample was general skin health (90.3% noticed, 82.2% discussed/referred), followed by sexually transmitted infections (STIs; 39.2% noticed, 36% discussed, and 26% referred). More respondents acknowledged discussing (26.6%) compared with noticing (19.8%) skin cancer. Most of the sample indicated high acceptability regarding improving the health of their clientele, and 72.7% expressed support for partnering with health professionals in such efforts.
Conclusions: This is a prime opportunity to aid in the facilitation of estheticians directly improving health and well-being beyond the skin of their clients.
期刊介绍：
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine is the official journal of the American College of Preventive Medicine and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research. It publishes articles in the areas of prevention research, teaching, practice and policy. Original research is published on interventions aimed at the prevention of chronic and acute disease and the promotion of individual and community health.
Of particular emphasis are papers that address the primary and secondary prevention of important clinical, behavioral and public health issues such as injury and violence, infectious disease, women''s health, smoking, sedentary behaviors and physical activity, nutrition, diabetes, obesity, and substance use disorders. Papers also address educational initiatives aimed at improving the ability of health professionals to provide effective clinical prevention and public health services. Papers on health services research pertinent to prevention and public health are also published. The journal also publishes official policy statements from the two co-sponsoring organizations, review articles, media reviews, and editorials. Finally, the journal periodically publishes supplements and special theme issues devoted to areas of current interest to the prevention community.
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