The Prevalence of Foot Structural Deformities in Female Hairdressers Working in Shiraz

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is increasing worldwide. This research surveys the prevalence of pain among female hairdressers in Shiraz in 2010.
This is a survey study and a total number of 239 hairdressers were selected in Shiraz, Iran by available sampling method. Data were collected by interview and filling out questionnaires about their age, body mass index (BMI), marital status, work experience, total work time, positions during work, types of shoes worn during work, and use of arch support. Also, different diseases such as hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, turf toe, hammer toe, arch foot, plantar fasciitis, posterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, metatarsalgia, metatarsal neuralgia, and cuboid syndrome were evaluated among them. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test through SPSS software (version 16) to estimate the prevalence of pain and structural disorders among hairdressers.
The results showed that 30.1% of subjects had a BMI lower than 18 and 56.1% of them were married. Also 38.9% of subjects worked more than 8 hours per day and 69.5% of them worked in the standing position. According to the results, 53.1% of the subjects worn ordinary sandals and only 8.4% of them used arch support. Hallux valgus was found as a common deformity (54.9%) among study subjects, also 34.8% of them had hallux rigidus and 31% calf pain and metatarsalgia. The result also revealed a significant correlation between prevalence of structural deformity and variables of BMI, marital status, total work time per day, work experience, use of arch support, and type of shoes worn during the work.
Several factors can cause discomfort in the legs and feet in hairdressers. Therefore, hairdressers should be trained in correct work procedures. Furthermore, modifying work conditions such as designing a proper chair, reducing working hours, and using medical shoes and sandals can reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in this occupational group.