Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Hairdressers and Beauticians in Peshawar: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This study examined the prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) among hairdressers and beauticians in Peshawar, specifically targeting the areas of Hayatabad, University Town, and Peshawar Saddar. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among hairdressers and beauticians in Peshawar, focusing on associated risk factors and impacts on occupational health. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, surveying a total of 340 participants, including 179 males and 161 females. Results: The findings revealed a high prevalence of WRMSDs, with 73.8% of respondents reporting various musculoskeletal conditions. The most reported areas of pain were the ankles (62.1%), followed by the lower back (56.5%), hands/wrists (35.0%), and shoulders (34.4%). Other frequently affected areas included the neck, upper back, hips/thighs, knees, and elbows. Musculoskeletal symptoms had varying impacts on work performance, with 8.5% of respondents reporting no impact, 40.0% reporting a slight impact, 31.8% reporting a moderate impact, 13.2% reporting a high impact, and 6.5% reporting a severe impact. Conclusion: The study found a significant association between repetitive tasks involving awkward postures and work-related stress contributing to musculoskeletal symptoms. Among the 340 participants, 283 reported both work-related stress and repetitive awkward postures as contributors to musculoskeletal symptoms, while only 7 participants reported neither. These findings suggest that repetitive tasks involving awkward postures are significantly associated with stress-related musculoskeletal symptoms among hairdressers and beauticians.