Frequency of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Barbers

Abstract

Background: The term Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) indicates a disturbing condition including painful injury to the muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves & supporting structures that is provoked by work & the conditions under which work has been performed. As the hairdresser job requires prolonged standing in awkward posture so it may cause effects on barbers.

Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the frequency of Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among barbers.

Methodology: The study was quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey that was conducted for 4 months at The University of Faisalabad. Total sample of 167 male barbers was taken using convenient sampling technique and their demographic data was collected. Nordic Questionnaire was used. Chi square test was applied for checking association between age and musculoskeletal disorders among barbers.

Results: Complaints of symptoms of lower back (55.1%), neck (50.3%) and shoulder (26.9%) were reported by barbers; most of the complains of troubles in last 7 days were reported for lower back (54.5%), knees (22.8%), neck (48.5%) & shoulder (25.7%), the most of the difficulty in performance in last 12 months were reported for lower back (27.8%), neck (18.6%), knees (9.8%) & shoulder (8.4%) & most of the visit to physicians were reported for lower back (48.6%), neck (40.7%), & shoulder (22.2%), while least complaints were reported for ankles, upper back, wrist/hands & elbows.

Conclusion: The frequency of work-related musculoskeletal disorders specifically in the lower back and neck was seen high among barbers. There was association found between the barber’s ages with the frequency of WMSDs. The barbers need ergonomics education & workstation adjustments.