Abstract
Background Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEDs) often present remarkable health and economic burdens on society. Occupational barbers are usually neglected both in research and policy actions, mainly in developing countries, and hence are likely subjected to the conditions. So far, information about factors that influence WUEDs among barbers in Ethiopia is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate prevalence and factors associated with WUEDs among barbers in Gondar town, Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from March to April 2018. A sample of 424 participants were recruited using systematic random sampling technique. A standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. We set statistical significances at <0.05 p value with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and computed odds ratios to evaluate strength of associations. Results The response rate was 98.3% (N=417). The mean age was 26.39 (SD + 4.805) years. The prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders over the past 12 months was 56.8% (N=237). Upper back pain was observed in 38.8% (N=162) participants, whereas shoulder (27.1% (N=113)), neck pain and elbow/forearms (each 29.3% (N=122)), and wrists/hand disorders (32.4% (N=135)) were the common body sites indicated. Age (AOR: 2.614; 95% CI (1.287, 5.307)), alcohol use (AOR: 3.556; 95% CI (2.212, 5.717)), frequent standing (AOR: 1.536; 95% CI (1.006, 2.346)), physical exercises (AOR: 1.938; 95% CI (1.216, 3.089)), and low monthly salary (AOR: 3.125; 95% CI (1.157, 5.441)) were factors associated with work-related upper extremity disorders. Conclusions Work-related upper extremity disorder is common among hairdressing professionals. Worksite health promotions targeted to lifestyle behaviors, like physical exercise and alcohol consumption require urgent public health actions in Ethiopia. Moreover, adaption of flexible work postures and proper management of workplace conditions related to aging workforces are also imperative to trace the complaints.
Highlights
Working as a barber is one of the precarious occupations with several workplace risk factors inherently associated with the profession [1]
Work patterns that include fixed or constrained body positions, continual repetition of movements, force concentrated on small parts of the body, such as the hand or wrist, a pace of work that does not allow sufficient recovery between movements, vibration, and temperature incline to the development of WRMSDs [5,6,7,8]
Knowledge on the potential risk factors of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among barber professionals is, meager, and research is scant in Ethiopia. erefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors predisposing to Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEDs) among barbers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia
Summary
Working as a barber is one of the precarious occupations with several workplace risk factors inherently associated with the profession [1]. Pain Research and Management disability, and reduced quality of life associated with the conditions [7, 9] These disorders are contemporary occupational health problems, representing reduced productivity, absence from work, and escalating compensation premiums [9, 10]. Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEDs) often present remarkable health and economic burdens on society. Erefore, this study aimed to evaluate prevalence and factors associated with WUEDs among barbers in Gondar town, Ethiopia. Age (AOR: 2.614; 95% CI (1.287, 5.307)), alcohol use (AOR: 3.556; 95% CI (2.212, 5.717)), frequent standing (AOR: 1.536; 95% CI (1.006, 2.346)), physical exercises (AOR: 1.938; 95% CI (1.216, 3.089)), and low monthly salary (AOR: 3.125; 95% CI (1.157, 5.441)) were factors associated with work-related upper extremity disorders. Adaption of flexible work postures and proper management of workplace conditions related to aging workforces are imperative to trace the complaints
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