Musculoskeletal symptoms and associated factors among beauty salon workers in Udupi, Karnataka, India

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Indian salon industry is increasing rapidly due to demand for various kinds of beauty and personal care products. Working ability and health conditions of salon workers may be affected by specific work-related activities. Prolonged non-neutral postures, repetitive movements, lack of adequate breaks during work, working at a fast pace, general distress or prolonged standing periods make them vulnerable to musculoskeletal symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The present study was carried out to assess work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among the beauty salon workers of Udupi taluk. METHOD: A total of 240 salon workers were recruited for the study. A semi-structured, interviewer-led questionnaire based on a modified Nordic questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS: As many as 80.4% study participants reported work related musculoskeletal pain in one or more body parts. The common body parts affected by pain were neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, upper back, lower back, legs and ankles/feet. The analysis according to work postures suggested that short repetitive movements, stretching of hands to reach objects, working in the same posture for a longer time and the lack of weekly break from work was significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. CONCLUSION: The beauty salon workers are at risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms which could benefit from preventive structural, operational and educational measures.