Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Hair Dressers in Urban Setup

Abstract

Background: Hairdressers are a group of professionals whose working ability and health status could be affected by specific work-related activities as their nature of the job involves to work with their backs bent forwards or twisted for washing hair at the sink. Repetitive tasks, static postures and long periods of standing have been observed during all client-related activities. To understand the impact of working conditions on work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in this occupational group, it is necessary to assess the prevalence of these risk factors among hair dressers in urban set-up. Aims and objectives: To find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among hair dressers in urban set-up using brief pain inventory scale. Method: 280 hairdressers between age group of 25-35 years were recruited from hair salons based in metropolitan city of Mumbai after taking permissions from respective salon. All subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. A written consent was obtained and participants were explained about the procedure of the study in details. The outcome was interviewed using brief pain inventory a short and self-administered questionnaire. Result and conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder was majorly seen at lower back (81%) followed by shoulder (53%) and lastly the calf (45%). Keywords: Work-related Musculoskeletal disorders, Hair dressers, Brief Pain inventory scale, Pain.