Prevalence and Associated Factors of Low Back Pain Among Hairdressers in Female Beauty Salons of Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia; Cross-Sectional Study.
Background: Low back pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions and the most common cause of disability. Hairdressers are one of the high-risk professionals for work-related musculoskeletal disorders like low back pain. However, studies on the prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among hairdressers are scarce. The objective of the current study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among hairdressers in female beauty salons of the Mekelle City, Tigray, Ethiopia. Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed from January 05 up to February 28, 2018. The sample (n=344) hairdressers were selected randomly from all-female beauty salons of Mekelle city. A structured questionnaire adapted from a standardized Nordic questionnaire and other similar studies was used. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with low back pain. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was estimated to show the strength of association. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Result: A total of 314 hairdressers participated, with a 91.3% response rate. The study found that the self-reported 12 months prevalence of low back pain was (47.5 %) with 95%CI (41.8- 53.1). Awkward way working posture [AOR: 2.6, 95%CI (1.41- 4.62)], working greater than 4 days in a week [AOR: 7.98, 95%CI (2.54-25.09], hair washing job category [AOR: 4.35, 95%CI (1.87-10.12)], having adjustable washing basin [AOR: 0.30, 95%CI (0.151-0.587)] and job stress [AOR: 2.75, 95%CI (1.61-4.72)] were factors that shows a statically significant association with low back pain. Conclusion: This study found that almost half of the hairdressers developed work-related low back pain in the last 12 months. Awkward posture, working days per week, hair washing job category, adjustable height washing basin and job stress show a significant association with low back pain. To address the problem responsible body needed to promote health and prevent low back pain among hairdressers by paying great attention to the prevalent problem and the identified risk factors. Keywords : Low back pain, Hairdresser, Musculoskeletal disorder.