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Abstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health problem globally and are particularly common among individuals in physically demanding professions. Hairdressers are at increased risk due to prolonged standing, repetitive hand use, awkward postures, and poor ergonomic practices, which often lead to pain, disability, and reduced productivity. Despite these risks, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of WMSDs among hairdressers in semi-urban areas of Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and to examine the sociodemographic, occupational, and ergonomic risk factors among hairdressers in Egor Local Government Area of Benin City.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants included hairdressers registered under the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (NASHCO), Egor chapter. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire addressing musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposures, and ergonomic practices. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics, occupational/ergonomic risk factors, and the prevalence of WMSDs.
Results: The results revealed a high prevalence of WMSDs among hairdressers, with 78.4% of respondents reporting musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body region over the past 12 months. The lower back (76.3%), shoulders (62.1%), and neck (58.7%) were identified as the most commonly affected sites. Significant associations were observed between WMSDs and occupational factors such as prolonged standing (p < 0.05), daily work duration exceeding 8 hours (p < 0.05), and poor postural habits (p < 0.05). Sociodemographic variables, including gender and work experience, were also found to influence the occurrence of WMSDs.
Conclusion: In conclusion, WMSDs are highly prevalent among hairdressers in Egor Local Government Area, largely due to occupational and ergonomic risk factors. Preventive strategies such as ergonomic training, workplace modifications, and increased awareness of occupational health risks are recommended to reduce the burden of WMSDs and enhance the well-being and productivity of hairdressers.
Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, hairdressers, occupational risk factors, ergonomic risk factors.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants included hairdressers registered under the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (NASHCO), Egor chapter. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire addressing musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposures, and ergonomic practices. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics, occupational/ergonomic risk factors, and the prevalence of WMSDs.
Results: The results revealed a high prevalence of WMSDs among hairdressers, with 78.4% of respondents reporting musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body region over the past 12 months. The lower back (76.3%), shoulders (62.1%), and neck (58.7%) were identified as the most commonly affected sites. Significant associations were observed between WMSDs and occupational factors such as prolonged standing (p < 0.05), daily work duration exceeding 8 hours (p < 0.05), and poor postural habits (p < 0.05). Sociodemographic variables, including gender and work experience, were also found to influence the occurrence of WMSDs.
Conclusion: In conclusion, WMSDs are highly prevalent among hairdressers in Egor Local Government Area, largely due to occupational and ergonomic risk factors. Preventive strategies such as ergonomic training, workplace modifications, and increased awareness of occupational health risks are recommended to reduce the burden of WMSDs and enhance the well-being and productivity of hairdressers.
Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, hairdressers, occupational risk factors, ergonomic risk factors.
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