Abstract

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 oneyear 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.

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