UCSF

Objectives

We assessed the efficacy of trainings with Vietnamese nail salon owners and workers on knowledge and behaviors that could reduce exposures to toxic chemicals in nail products.

Methods

We trained Vietnamese salon owners in California (n = 77) who then trained their workers (n = 200) on best practices. In a cluster randomized controlled trial, we assessed the efficacy of the training on change in knowledge and self-reported behaviors. Data were collected from 2013 to 2016 and analyzed from 2016 to 2017.

Results

Compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly greater increases in knowledge about: safer nail polishes [odds ratio (OR) 3.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9, 7.2)]; proper ventilation methods (OR 4.2; 95% CI 2.2, 8.1); recommended glove types (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.9, 6.3); and recommended product handling and storage (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.7, 9.9). The intervention also increased best practices: using safer nail polishes (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.9, 6.8); reading product labels (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3, 5.0); and wearing long sleeves (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3, 4.2).

Conclusions

The owner-to-worker intervention with culturally and linguistically appropriate training for salon owners who then trained workers was effective in promoting knowledge and self-reported behaviors that can reduce workplace chemical exposures.