Factors influencing health and safety practices among Vietnamese nail salon technicians and owners: A qualitative study

Objective This qualitative study explored factors that influence health and safety practices among Vietnamese nail salon technicians and owners. Methods We conducted semi-structured focus group discussions and individual interviews with a sample of 17 Vietnamese nail salon technicians and owners in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Pennsylvania. Results Analysis of transcripts revealed perceived health benefits/concerns, knowledge about work-related hazards, salon's management and policies attributed to owners, client influence, external policies/regulations, and protective equipment-specific challenges were among factors affecting workplace health promotion practices at the salons. Conclusions The study highlighted a complex interplay among the various stakeholders including nail technicians, owners, clients, policy makers, and enforcers. Interventions addressing barriers at the personal and organizational levels, as well as public policy change and enforcement are needed to create sustainable behavioral and organizational change in nail salons.