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.
Highlights
The Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are health problems that involve injuries or disorders of muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, cartilage and spinal disc which are suspected to have been associated with exposures to risk factors at a workplace[1]
Similar findings were noted with higher prevalence of WRMSDs in previous studies conducted with overall prevalence of 75.6% in Nigeria[1], Brazil (71%)[3] and Durban(60%)[11]
According to the present study there was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among hairdressers in Belagavi city, India
Summary
The Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are health problems that involve injuries or disorders of muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, cartilage and spinal disc which are suspected to have been associated with exposures to risk factors at a workplace[1]. WRMSDs are groups of syndromes characterized by symptoms of soft tissue pain, paresthesia, stiffness, swelling, weakness, discomfort and loss of function that can be caused or aggravated by work related exposures[2]. Musculoskeletal disorders place a substantial burden on millions of people affecting all age groups. It can have major impact on worker function, performance and productivity[2]. The job of hairdresser is characterized by standing for prolonged periods of time in awkward body postures, handling a variety of chemicals, and undergoing repetitive hand movements[5]. Women and men are exposed to physical and mental stress, and to musculoskeletal injuries arising from repetitive trauma disorders, as they have to stand for long periods[6]
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