Occupational health problems among hairdressers in Malta

Abstract

This study was motivated both by the high occurrence of occupational health problems among hairdressers in Malta, and far reaching effects that these problems are known to have in this particular work group. In this study, the author aimed to study and understand pain among Maltese hairdressers, focusing on back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain injuries, and other injuries related to chemicals. The study also aimed to shed light on how these injuries can be avoided or minimized, if possible. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data among the hairdressers being studied. An attempt was then made to establish whether a correlation exists between certain pain attributes and chemical hazards experienced by the hairdressers, as revealed by the same questionnaire. The author obtained information about causes of pains and chemical injuries through research from books, articles conducted among different international hairdressers and several online sources.