BODY MEASUREMENT ASSESSMENT AMONG COSMETOLOGISTS IN YENAGOA, NIGERIA

Cosmetologists, primarily women of reproductive age, are exposed daily to a variety of chemicals and occupational hazards during their work in salons or home-based beauty service environments. These professionals provide a range of services including hair treatment, manicures, pedicures, and facial therapies, all of which may involve potential contact with substances suspected to pose reproductive risks. With millions of individuals globally engaged in cosmetology, especially in informal or semi-regulated settings, there is growing concern about the possible health implications for this workforce segment. Several studies have explored the reproductive health outcomes of cosmetologists, with a number of them suggesting a correlation between occupational exposures and adverse reproductive outcomes. Reported risks include infertility, prolonged time to conception, spontaneous abortions, low birth weight, and preterm births. Notably, studies by Baste et al. (2008), Halliday-Bell et al. (2009), and Ronda et al. (2010) point toward significant associations between chemical exposures in hair and beauty salons and reproductive complications. However, other investigations have produced inconclusive or contradictory findings, with some researchers reporting no significant reproductive risks among female hairdressers and cosmetologists. Given these conflicting results, it becomes imperative to further examine the occupational conditions, anthropometric parameters, and general health status of cosmetologists, particularly in developing regions such as Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Understanding the potential link between the nature of cosmetology work and reproductive health outcomes will inform both public health strategies and workplace safety regulations for this population.