title: Self-reported work-related symptoms in hairdressers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Detailed studies of current symptoms reported by hairdressers and of the training received to reduce the health risks associated with this work are uncommon.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To document current levels of self-reported health problems in hairdressers, compared to non-hairdressing controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  An interviewer-led questionnaire recording demographic information, work history, health training levels and the presence of self-reported respiratory, skin, musculoskeletal and non-specific symptoms was administered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 147 hairdressers, 86% of whom were female (median age 27 years) and 67 non-hairdressing controls, all female (median age 38 years) were recruited. Following adjustment for age, smoking and years worked, hairdressers reported significantly higher levels of musculoskeletal problems, including work-related shoulder pain (OR 11.6, 95% CI 2.4-55.4), work-related wrist and hand pain (2.8, 1.1-7.6), work-related upper back pain (3.8, 1.0-14.9), work-related lower back pain (4.9, 1.5-15.9) and work-related leg/foot pain (31.0, 3.8-267.4). The frequency of self-reported asthma was similar in both groups (hairdressers 16%, controls 17%) as was chest tightness and wheeze. Work-related cough was significantly more frequently reported in hairdressers than in controls (13.2, 1.3-131.5). While hairdresser training was commonplace, such training did not always appear to have resulted in awareness of potential workplace health risks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study identified frequently reported musculoskeletal, skin and respiratory symptoms in hairdressers. This points to a need to develop training that not only deals with risk assessment but also informs hairdressers about the health risks of their work.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Workplace Health, Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9JN, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bradshaw
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harris-Roberts
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bowen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fishwick
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced; D001461:Barbering / Q000193:education; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004493:Education; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult