Occupational Health Risks of Female Hairdressers:Knowledge, Practice, and Self-Reported Symptoms

Faculty of Nursing

Assiut University

Occupational Health Risks of Female Hairdressers:Knowledge, Practice, and Self-Reported Symptoms

Research Authors
Fatma R. Khalaf 1, Naglaa S. Abd El-Aty 1, Doaa M. Abdel-Salam 2, 3, Doaa M. Osman
Research Date
Research Department
Department of public health
Research Journal
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
Research Member
Fatma Ragab Khalif Shalqami
Research Publisher
Print ISSN: 2357-0601Online ISSN: 2357-061
Research Vol
50
Research Website
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_123383_997e2ca75e2997690c4dc937aaac6984
Research Year
2020
Research_Pages
146-157
Research Abstract

Background & Objective(s): Hairdressers are exposed to various health hazards in their work

environment. This study aims to assess the working conditions, knowledge, and practices regarding

hazardous work exposure, in addition to identifying potential occupational health problems and their

associated variables.

Methods: A cross-sectional study including 151 female hairdressers was conducted in Assiut city,

Upper Egypt. An interview questionnaire was used to record personal and job characteristics,

descriptions of workplace environments, and knowledge and practices regarding occupational health

risks and self-reported health problems. Standard assessment of weight and height was performed,

and body mass index was calculated.

Results: Insufficient ventilation of salons was reported by 67.5% of the hairdressers, and first aid

measures were available for only 15.2%. Low awareness was found regarding blood-borne diseases

transmitted through hair salons. Approximately 70% were disinfecting their equipment, and 12.4%

performed this after each customer. The most frequent chronic musculoskeletal complaints were low

back (22.5%), shoulder (17.2%), and wrist pain (16.6%). Nearly 24% complained from varicose

veins. Varicose veins and knee pain were significantly associated with increases in age and working

years. Neck pain was significantly associated with increases in age and being employed or owner of

the hairdressing salon.

Conclusion: Proper working conditions and safe practices of the studied hairdressers were

insufficient. High awareness was found regarding the possibility of disease transmission through hair

salons. However, only a few of them identified these diseases and their transmission modes.

Moreover, they complained of musculoskeletal pain, varicose veins, and respiratory symptoms.

Recommendations: Pre-employment health education programs should be provided for Egyptian

hairdressers, and maintenance of hairdressing salons should be checked regularly.

Keywords: Hairdressers, working conditions, practices, occupational health hazards, Egypt