Occupational Medicine Advance Access originally published online on May 7, 2008
Occupational Medicine 2008 58(5):367-369; doi:10.1093/occmed/kqn047
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Short Reports |
Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian hairdressers
1 Serviço de Saúde Ocupacional, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
2 Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Background There are occupational risks inherent to the activities of professional hairdressers, which are not frequently studied, and therefore not considered in the formulation of health policies for this group.
Aims To verify the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in hairdressers through symptom reports, to characterize the most frequently affected anatomical parts and to identify and analyse risk factors of WRMDs in hairdressing.
Methods A cross-sectional epidemiological study of 220 hairdressers from beauty parlours in São Paulo (Brazil) was carried out. Each hairdresser completed a self-administered questionnaire which included information on socio-demographic characteristics, working conditions and health-related musculoskeletal system complaints. Ergonomic analyses were also performed in six parlours.
Results The prevalence of WRMDs was 71%. Risk factors were associated with psychosocial factors and factors related to discomfort and work fatigue such as lack of acknowledgement of work and uncomfortable posture at work [odds ratio (OR) = 3.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51–8.30], not feeling comfortable with body/neck/shoulders while working (OR = 2.78; 95% CI 1.40–5.54) and having >15 years of professional activity (OR = 3.04; 95% CI 1.17–7.91).
Conclusion Occupational risk factors associated with the development of WRMDs in hairdressers are related to biomechanical, organizational and psychosocial work factors. The high prevalence of WRMDs found highlights the importance of disseminating recommendations for prevention of symptoms with regards to the provision of suitable furniture, equipment and work tools, environmental conditions, size of workplace, work organization and psychosocial work factors.
Keywords Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs); hairdressers; occupational risk factors
Correspondence to: Gisele Mussi, Rua: Aimberê, 374/94, São Paulo 05018-010, SP, Brazil. E-mail: gimus{at}usp.br