Ocular symptoms and associated factors among hairdressers in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: Hairdressers are exposed to chemicals from hair products such as hair dyes, glues, sprays, and relaxants, which increase risks for ocular  diseases. There are limited studies assessing ocular diseases among hairdressers in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of  ocular symptoms and associated factors among hairdressers in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: This study employed an analytical cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 300 hairdressers from 157 salons selected from ten  wards of Kawe and Magomeni divisions of Kinondoni Municipality. Data on participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, years of work experience,  occupational activities, use of protective equipment, hazard awareness, training on chemicals use, types of hair products used, and self-reported ocular  symptoms were gathered by using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, partial correlation and logistic regression were performed to  understand the prevalence of ocular symptoms and association with other study variables.

Results: The study enrolled a total of 300 participants who were primarily female (92%). The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 28 (±7) years. The  prevalence of ocular symptom was 78.7%. The most prevalent symptoms reported were headache (68.7%) and itching (60.0%). There was a statistically  significant association between years of work experience (r = 0.314, p < 0.0001), lack of training on chemical use [AOR = 0.0203 (0.01 - 0.054)], lack of  hazard awareness [AOR = 0.05 (0.02 - 0.094)] and ocular symptoms.

Conclusion: Prevalence of ocular symptoms was high among the study participants.  The variables associated with ocular symptoms were lack of training on chemical use, inadequate hazard awareness and years of work experience. The  Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OSHA) of Tanzania should facilitate and conduct health promotion to hairdressers on protective measures and  frequent breaks to reduce chemical exposure.