Educational Level as a Determinant of Infection Control Compliance Among Body Modification Practitioners in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Infection control compliance within body modification practice remains a significant public health concern due to the risk of transmitting blood-borne and skin infections. Despite increasing regulatory attention, substantial variability in compliance persists, suggesting that structural determinants warrant closer examination. This study investigated educational level as a determinant of infection control knowledge, attitudes, and practices among body modification practitioners.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 59 practitioners was conducted at Ijebu-Jesa and Ede, Osun State. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire measuring educational attainment alongside composite scores for infection control knowledge, attitudinal orientation, and self-reported practices. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including one-way analysis of variance, were used to examine associations between educational level and outcome variables.

Results: The findings revealed a pronounced educational gradient across all domains. Mean knowledge scores increased from 0.00 among practitioners with no formal education to 5.86 among those with tertiary education. Attitudinal scores similarly improved with educational attainment, with higher-educated practitioners demonstrating more precautionary and consistent orientations towards infection control, reflected in higher median scores and reduced score dispersion. Practice outcomes showed the strongest educational effect, with mean practice scores rising from 14.86 among practitioners with primary education to 28.57 among those with tertiary education. Differences in practice scores at F = 9.037, p < .001 across educational categories were statistically significant.

Conclusion: These findings indicated that education is a central structural determinant of infection control compliance, influencing knowledge acquisition, risk appraisal, and behavioural enactment. The study revealed the limitations of approaches that prioritise regulation or procedural training alone and highlights the need to integrate educational considerations into infection control policy, training frameworks, and professional development strategies within the body modification sector.