Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Occupational Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Egyptian Female Hairdressers

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Community Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hairdressing is associated with exposure to a variety of harmful agents which have been linked to respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders in hairdressers. This study aimed to identify respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders in hairdressers compared to office workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 female hairdressers and 50 matched controls. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on personal and occupational data, hairdressing activities, the presence of respiratory symptoms and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months. Reported symptoms were compared between hairdressers and controls. The associations between self-reported symptoms and hairdressing activities were investigated. Hairdressers were more likely to report symptoms than controls particularly for those who were older, with higher body mass index and longer duration of work as hairdresser. There were significant associations between frequent hair treatments (bleaching, dye and wave) and hand dermatitis (P < 0.001), running nose (P < 0.05), eye irritation (P < 0.01) and phlegm (P < 0.05). Elbow pain and shoulder and back pain were the most prevalent musculoskeletal pains in the past 12 months (13.8 and 12.5 % respectively), back and knee pains were the most frequent chronic pain (7.5 %), hand and wrist pain led 12.5 % of hairdressers to visit a doctor and shoulder pain and back pain indicated a period of sickness absence in 13.8 % of hairdressers. Musculoskeletal disorders were associated with manual handling, prolonged standing, strenuous shoulder movements and awkward body posture. Hairdressing is associated with increased risk to respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders due to adverse work conditions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Akpinar-Elci, M., & Elci, O. C. (2002). Importance of work intensity on respiratory problems of hairdressers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 59, 649–650.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Albin, M., Rylander, L., Mikoczy, Z., Lillienberg, L., Dahlman, H. A., Brisman, J., et al. (2002). Incidence of asthma in female Swedish hairdressers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 59, 119–123.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Ameille, J., Pauli, G., Calastreng-Crinqu, A., Vervloet, D., Iwatsubo, Y., Popin, E., et al. (2003). Observatoire national des asthmes professionnels. Reported incidence of occupational asthma in France, 1996–1999: The ONAP programme. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 60, 136–141.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Bernard, B. P. (Ed.). (1997). Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors. A critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper extremity, and low back. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-141.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Borg, G. (1990). Psychophysical scaling with applications in physical work and the perception of exertion. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 16, 55–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Bregnhoj, A., Sosted, H., Menne, T., & Johansen, J. D. (2011). Healthy worker effect in hairdressing apprentices. Contact Dermatitis, 64, 80–84.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Deschamps, F., Langrand, J., & Lesage, F. X. (2014). Health assessment of self-employed hairdressers in France. Journal of Occupational Health, 56, 157–163.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Dickel, H., Kuss, O., Blesius, C. R., Schmidt, A., & Diepgen, T. L. (2001). Occupational skin diseases in Northern Bavaria between 1990 and 1999: A population-based study. British Journal of Dermatology, 145, 453–462.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Douwes, M., Blatter, B. M., Eikhout, S. M., Bronkhorst, R. E., Michel, F. P., Osinga, D. S. C. (2001). Onderzoek in het kader van het arboconvenant fysieke belasting bij kappers: nulmeting klachten en risicofactoren fysieke belasting- mogelijke maatregelen om de fysieke belasting te verminderen (in Dutch). Hoofddorp, The Netherlands: TNO Arbeid.

  10. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work—EU-OSHA. (2014). Framework agreement on the protection of occupational health and safety in the hairdressing sector. Common statement made by Coiffure EU and UNI Europa Hair & Beauty. Accessed on 14 Nov 2014. Available at: http://www.dfkf.dk/xdoc/153/1_Common_statement.pdf

  11. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Health and Safety in Hairdressing. (2007). An Evaluation of health and safety management practices in the hairdressing industry. Wellington: Department of Labour. Available at http://www.dol.govt.nz/PDFs/hairdressing.pdf

  12. Ferreira, A. P. (2013). Occupational health hazards of female hairdressers in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science, 2, 27–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Ferris, B. G. (1978). Epidemiology standardization project (American Thoracic Society). The American Review of Respiratory Disease, 118, 1–120.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Figueiredo, J. P., Pomiecinski, F., Yang, A. C., Castro, F. F., Kalil, J., & Galvao, C. E. (2008). Diagnostic assessment of occupational asthma due to persulfate salts in a professional hairdresser: A case report. Clinics (Sao Paulo), 63, 149–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Gala, O. G., Gancedo, S. Q., Ordóñez, R. F., Camo, I. P., Mancebo, E. G., Agustín, M. C., & Cosmes, E. L. (2001). Diagnostic approach and management of occupational asthma by persulfate salts in a hairdresser. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, 22, 235–238.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Harris-Roberts, J., Bowen, J., Sumner, J., Stocks-Greaves, M., Bradshaw, L., Fishwick, D., & Barber, C. M. (2001). Work-related symptoms in nail salon technicians. Occupational Medicine (London), 61, 335–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Hollund, B. E., Moen, B. E., Lygre, S. H., Florvaag, E., & Omenaas, E. (2001). Prevalence of airway symptoms among hairdressers in Bergen, Norway. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 58, 780.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Holm, J. O., & Veierod, M. B. (1994). An epidemiological study of hand eczema. I. Prevalence and cumulative prevalence among hairdressers compared with a control group of teachers. Acta Dermato-Venereologica Supplementum, 187, 8–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Iwatsubo, Y., Matrat, M., Brochard, P., Ameille, J., Choudat, D., Conso, F., et al. (2003). Healthy worker effect and changes in respiratory symptoms and lung function in hairdressing apprentices. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 60, 831–840.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Kogevinas, M., Antó, J. M., Soriano, J. B., Tobias, A., & Burney, P. (1996). The risk of asthma attributable to occupational exposures. A population-based study in Spain. Spanish Group of the European Asthma Study. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 154, 137–143.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Kuorinka, I., Jonsson, B., Kilbom, A., Vinterberg, H., Biering-Sorensen, F., Andersson, G., & Jorgensen, A. (1987). Standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Appl. Ergon, 18, 233–237.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Leino, T., Kahkonen, E., Saarinen, L., Henriks-Eckerman, M. L., & Paakkulainen, H. (1999). Working conditions and health in hairdressing salons. Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 14, 26–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Leino, T., Tammilehto, L., Hytonen, M., Sala, E., Paakkulainen, H., & Kanerva, L. (1998). Occupational skin and respiratory diseases among hairdressers. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 24, 398–406.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Leino, T., Tammilehto, L., Luukkonen, R., & Nordman, H. (1997). Self reported respiratory symptoms and diseases among hairdressers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 54, 452–455.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Lind, M.-L. (2006). Hairdressers—hand eczema, hair dyes and hand protection (dissertation). KarolinskaInstitutet.

  26. Lind, M. L., Albin, M., Brisman, J., KronholmDiab, K., Lillienberg, L., Mikoczy, Z., et al. (2007). Incidence of hand eczema in female Swedish hairdressers. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 64, 191–195.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Lindsköld, A.-B. (1987). Frisöryrkets utveckling—från Nefertites slavar till dagens hairdesigners [Development in hairdressing—from the slaves of Nefertite to the hair designers of today] (in Swedish). Gothenburg: University of Gothenburg.

  28. Macchioni, P., Kotopulos, C., Talini, D., De Santis, M., Masino, E., & Paggiaro, P. L. (1999). Asthma in hairdressers: A report of 5 cases. Medicina del Lavoro, 90, 776–785.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Muñoz, X., Cruz, M. J., Orriols, R., Torres, F., Espuga, M., & Morell, F. (2004). Validation of specific inhalation challenge for the diagnosis of occupational asthma due to persulphate salts. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61, 861–866.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Mussi, G., & Gouveia, N. (2008). Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Brazilian hairdressers. Occupational Medicine (London), 52, 645–651.

    Google Scholar 

  31. O’Connell, R. L., White, I. R., Mc Fadden, J. P., & White, J. M. L. (2010). Hairdressers with dermatitis should always be patch tested regardless of atopy status. Contact Dermatitis, 62, 177–181.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Perkins, J. B., & Farrow, A. (2005). Prevalence of occupational hand dermatitis in U.K. hairdressers. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 11, 289–293.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Schwartz, H. J. (1989). Effect of chronic chromolyn sodium therapy in a beautician with occupational asthma. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 31, 112–114.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Sevin, B., Fatma Evyapan, F., & Sibel, Ö. (2007). Prevalence of occupational asthma and early bronchial airflow impairment among hairdressers in Denizli. Archive Lung, 8, 14–18.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Skoufi, G. I., Nena, E., Kostikas, K., Lialios, G. A., Constantinidis, T. C., Daniil, Z., & Gourgoulianis, K. (2013). Work-related respiratory symptoms and airway disease in hairdressers. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 4, 53–60.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Slater, T., Bradshaw, L., Fishwick, D., Cheng, S., Kimbell-Dunn, M., Erkinjuntti-Pekkanen, R., et al. (2000). Occupational respiratory symptoms in New Zealand hairdressers. Occupational Medicine (London), 50, 586–590.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Takkouche, B., Regueira-Méndez, C., & Montes-Martínez, A. (2009). Risk of cancer among hairdressers and related workers: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Epidemiology, 38, 1512–1531.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Tsigonia, A., Tanagra, D., Linos, A., Merekoulias, G., & Alexopoulos, E. C. (2009). Musculoskeletal disorders among cosmetologists. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 6, 2967–2979.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. van der Walle, H. B., & Brunsveld, V. M. (1994). Dermatitis in hairdressers. (I). The experience of the past 4 years. Contact Dermatitis, 30, 217–221.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Veiersted, K. B., Gould, K. S., Osteras, N., & Hansson, G. A. (2008). Effect of an intervention addressing working technique on the biomechanical load of the neck and shoulders among hairdressers. Applied Ergonomics, 39, 183–190.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

    O. M. Hassan & H. Bayomy

  2. Department of Community Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

    H. Bayomy

Authors
  1. O. M. Hassan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. H. Bayomy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to H. Bayomy.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Hassan, O.M., Bayomy, H. Occupational Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Egyptian Female Hairdressers. J Community Health 40, 670–679 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9983-y

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9983-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation