Date Presented 03/28/20
This qualitative study explored pain among cosmetologists via an online survey of open-ended questions. Participants were recruited from cosmetology social media platforms. Qualitative data were analyzed via content analysis. Multiple researchers and data from multiple sources helped to ensure rigor and trustworthiness of the data. The voices of cosmetologists report that they experience pain in multiple parts of the body that results from repetitive movements and extended physical positions.
Primary Author and Speaker: Miles DeWitt
Additional Authors and Speakers: Jessica Nathan, Gilliann Gray, Deshaun Squires, Barbara Kornblau, Jeffery Etheridge
PURPOSE: The cosmetology profession is defined by continuous precise fine motor movements. Beauticians, estheticians, and cosmetologists perform tasks that place them at risk for upper extremity injuries (Demiryurek & Gündoğdu, 2017). Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) is a condition that causes injuries to various parts of the musculoskeletal system due to repeatedly overusing or putting stress on one of the following: joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and/or blood vessels. Repetitive stress injury (RSI), overuse syndrome, and repetitive motion disorders are other terms associated with CTDs (Schmidler, 2018). The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that over 600,000 injuries and illnesses, and 34% of lost workdays are related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016) reported that, in 2015, the primary injury category for workers who missed work consisted of sprains, strains, and tears; 37% of the cases reported were in this category, totaling 421,610 days away from work. This study was designed to investigate the lived experience and causes of chronic upper extremity injuries in cosmetology professionals, due to work-related tasks and the limited scope of research on this topic. This is an area begging for occupational therapy’s attention.
DESIGN: This is a narrative qualitative study. Participants were cosmetologists who were recruited from a private Facebook community of cosmetologists with permission from its owner, and other relevant social media platforms. Participants were individuals who were 18 and older, who self-identify as employed in the cosmetology industry.
METHOD: Following IRB approval, participants reported data on a survey of open-ended questions housed on Qualtrics. A recruitment link was posted on several social media sites geared towards cosmetologists. Participants acknowledged consent on the screen prior to taking survey. The survey consisted of three questions that inquired about job related tasks they do physically, movements they do repetitively, and the degree of pain and comfort which interfered with work, outside of work, and sleep. The research team used content analysis to analyze data. Four researchers coded themes through an iterative, deductive process, and an experienced qualitative researcher reviewed developed themes. Multiple researchers and data collection from multiple sources ensured rigor, triangulation, and trustworthiness of the data.
RESULTS: 42 females and 3 males attempted this survey. Saturation was reached at participant 10. The participants ranged in age from 18-52 years. The voice of cosmetologists report they experience pain in multiple parts of the body that results from repetitive movements and extended physical positions. Participants reported a wide range of physical tasks they must complete throughout the day. Some expressed the need for preventative strategies.
CONCLUSION: Occupational therapists can use job analysis to develop strategies to meet the needs of cosmetologists by modifying and adapting the environment, as well as providing other strategies to decrease pain and improve function. Education and advocacy can promote wellness and injury prevention in the workplace.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Scant literature exists on injury prevention and pain in cosmetologists. Cosmetologists report a variety of tasks/body positions in their workday. Occupational therapy is a powerful means to improve the lives of cosmetologists by focusing on their work tasks, body positions, and their environment.
References
Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2019, April 12). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm
Demiryurek, B. E., & Gündoğdu, A. A. (2017). Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its correlation with pain amongst female hairdressers. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health. doi:10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01068
Schmidler, C. (2018). Guide to cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). Retrieved from https://www.healthpages.org/health-a-z/guide-cumulative-trauma-disorders/.
