Occupational-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Beauty Salon Workers in Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Workers in beauty salons represent a distinct occupational group whose health and job performance may be affected by various physical and ergonomic factors. Their tasks often involve repetitive movements, prolonged standing, and awkward body postures, which increase the risk of developing work- related musculoskeletal disorders. Studies on the prevalence of WRMDs among beauty salon workers in Karachi, are limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among beauty salon workers in Karachi. To determine the Prevalence of Occupational-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among beauty salon workers in Karachi: A cross- sectional study. The study utilized was a cross-sectional study that focused on beauty salon workers currently employed in small, medium, and large-scale beauty salons in Karachi. Non probability convenience sampling was used for the selection of participants. Sample size was 131 which was statistically calculated by Open Epi version 3.01 with a 95% confidence level and ±5% margin of error. Data was collected through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess musculoskeletal pain, the patient’s history covering demographics and associated factors. The data was analyzed by utilizing descriptive statistics SPSS version 26.The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) was very high, with approximately 74% of participants reporting symptoms in at least one body region during the past 12 months. The lower back (71.0%) was the most commonly affected body region, followed by wrists/hands (66.4%), neck (62.0%), and shoulders (58.0%). Recent musculoskeletal symptoms (past 7 days) were also commonly reported in neck 63%, indicating ongoing occupational exposure and their discomfort is directly and significantly associated with risk factors such as long and immobile positions and repetitive motions, insufficient breaks and awkward postures (p. value less than 0.05). This research is a strong demonstration that musculoskeletal disorders are very common among the beauty salon employees in Karachi. According to this study the overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) was very high. Most participants reported frequent exposure to prolonged standing, repetitive movements, awkward postures, high workload, and inadequate rest breaks and the prevalence of pain was found to be significantly correlated with these risk factors. Future recommendations would be preventative strategies which includes ergonomic interventions, workplace exercises, thoughtful job design and the formulation of proactive policies to set standards for preventing WMSDs.