Work-related symptoms due to chemical use among hairdressers in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

© 2019, SEAMEO TROPMED Network. All rights reserved. Hairdressers are exposed to various work related chemicals contained in hair products that may affect their health. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of symptoms reported by hairdressers in Bangkok, Thailand and their associated factors in order to guide prevention efforts. We calculated 380 subjects were need for the study. Subjects were selected by stratified random sampling to be recruited for the study. Inclusion criteria were hairdressers with at least one-year experience in this career and were willing to participate in the study. The exclusion criterion was hairdressers who were current smokers. Each subject was asked to complete a questionnaire that asked about demographics, symptoms and potential associated factors. The questionnaire had a reliability coefficient range of 0.7-0.8. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with symptoms. A total of 380 subjects were included in the study; 80.3% were female; the average subject was aged 38 years. Sixty-eight point seven percent of subjects had worked as a hairdresser for 1-10 years. Ninety-six point eight percent had no respiratory symptoms prior to beginning work as a hairdresser. Ninety-seven point nine percent had no chemical protection training. Sixty point three percent had a poor level of preventive behavior when using hair products. Thirty-nine point five percent reported having health symptoms in the previous three months. Forty-nine point five percent of these episodes were respiratory symptoms that included nasal irritation, rhinorrhea, cough and dyspnea. Eighteen point seven percent had skin symptoms, including rash, erythema and edema. Sixteen point nine percent had eye irritation. Factors significantly associated with symptoms included having a previous medical condition, exposure to hair dyes, exposure to hair straightening solutions, frequency of hair dying, duration of hair shampooing, duration of hair dying, using preventive measures with hair products, and using general exhaust ventilation. Hairdressers in Bangkok, Thailand frequently have symptoms caused by chemical exposure in their work. Preventive measures need to be used consistently. Further studies are needed to determine the most effective methods for reducing symptoms and their efficiencies.