Work related low back pain and associated factors among hairdressers in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; cross-sectional study.

Abstract Background Low back pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions and the most common cause of disability. Hairdressers are one of the high-risk professionals for work-related musculoskeletal disorders like low back pain. However, studies on the prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among hairdressers are scarce. The objective of the current study is to assess the magnitude and associated factors of work related low back pain among hairdressers working in female beauty salons.Method An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed from January 05 up to February 28, 2018. The sample (n=344) hairdressers were selected randomly from all-female beauty salons of Mekelle city. A structured questionnaire adapted from a standardized Nordic questionnaire and other similar studies was used. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with low back pain. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was estimated to show the strength of association. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Result A total of 314 hairdressers participated, with a 91.3% response rate. The study found that the self-reported 12 months prevalence of work related low back pain was (47.5%) with 95%CI (41.8- 53.1). Awkward way working posture [AOR: 2.6, 95%CI (1.41- 4.62)], working greater than 4 days in a week [AOR: 7.98, 95%CI (2.54-25.09], hair washing job category [AOR: 4.35, 95%CI (1.87-10.12)], having adjustable washing basin [AOR: 0.30, 95%CI (0.151-0.587)] and job stress [AOR: 2.75, 95%CI (1.61-4.72)] were factors that shows a statically significant association with low back pain.Conclusion This study found that work-related low back pain is a major health problem among hairdressers.Working in awkward postures, more working days per week, hair washing job category and job stress show strong association with work related low back pain, whereas using adjustable height washing basin has a protective effect for low back pain. Responsible bodies need to give attention to prevent low back pain among hairdressers by giving on job training related to comfortable working posture and utilization of ergonomically designed tools.