Abstract:
Background. Work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (WUEDs) often present remarkable health and economic
burdens on society. Occupational barbers are usually neglected both in research and policy actions, mainly in developing
countries, and hence are likely subjected to the conditions. So far, information about factors that influence WUEDs among barbers
in Ethiopia is inconclusive. -erefore, this study aimed to evaluate prevalence and factors associated with WUEDs among barbers
in Gondar town, Ethiopia. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study from March to April 2018. A sample of 424 participants
were recruited using systematic random sampling technique. A standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was pretested
and interviewer-administered for data collection. -e data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. We set statistical significances
at <0.05 p value with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and computed odds ratios to evaluate strength of associations.
Results. -e response rate was 98.3% (N � 417). -e mean age was 26.39 (SD + 4.805) years. -e prevalence of upper extremity
musculoskeletal disorders over the past 12 months was 56.8% (N � 237). Upper back pain was observed in 38.8% (N � 162)
participants, whereas shoulder (27.1% (N � 113)), neck pain and elbow/forearms (each 29.3% (N � 122)), and wrists/hand
disorders (32.4% (N � 135)) were the common body sites indicated. Age (AOR: 2.614; 95% CI (1.287, 5.307)), alcohol use (AOR:
3.556; 95% CI (2.212, 5.717)), frequent standing (AOR: 1.536; 95% CI (1.006, 2.346)), physical exercises (AOR: 1.938; 95% CI
(1.216, 3.089)), and low monthly salary (AOR: 3.125; 95% CI (1.157, 5.441)) were factors associated with work-related upper
extremity disorders. Conclusions. Work-related upper extremity disorder is common among hairdressing professionals. Worksite
health promotions targeted to lifestyle behaviors, like physical exercise and alcohol consumption require urgent public health
actions in Ethiopia. Moreover, adaption of flexible work postures and proper management of workplace conditions related to
aging workforces are also imperative to trace the complaints.
1. Introduction
Working as a barber is one of the precarious occupations
with several workplace risk factors inherently associated
with the profession [1]. A combination of exposure to
various physical, chemical, ergonomic, psychosocial, and
biological hazards among barbers is usually noticeable [2, 3].
-erefore, barbers are often subjected to various workrelated
disorders, like
