Musculoskeletal Health and Physical Fitness Assessment among Hairdressers in Belagavi City, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Hairdressers are a group of workers whose working ability and health condition may be affected by specific work related activities. They are also at risk of developing Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) and lack of physical fitness due to working condition and work related exposures. Prevalence of WRMSDs and level of physical fitness in hairdressers is lacking in Indian population. Hence, present study aimed to find prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and levels of physical fitness among hairdressers. It was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 161 hairdressers were recruited by cluster sampling with samples representing south and north regions of Belagavi city, India. The participants were assessed for WRMSDs using Nordic questionnaire while physical fitness levels were assessed for strength and flexibility of upper and lower limbs along with cardio-vascular endurance. Out of 161 hairdressers, prevalence of WRMSDs was among 101 (62.11%). Lower back was the most affected body region with 56.5% followed by neck 11.8%. 101 hairdressers had first experience of musculoskeletal discomfort after becoming a hairdresser. When assessed for physical fitness, it was noted that the strength of upper limb was affected in 129 (80%) hairdressers while flexibility of lower limb was affected in 130 (80.7%) hairdressers. There is a high prevalence of WRMSDs in hairdressers of Belagavi city, India with lower back and neck being the most affected body regions. In terms of physical fitness, strength of upper limb and flexibility of lower limb were the most affected.