SYMPTOMS OF RSI IN HAIRDRESSERS FROM THE CITY OF CAJAZEIRAS-PB

Abstract

The Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (Repetitive Strain Injury) are understood as a work-related syndrome, characterized by the occurrence of various symptoms such as pain, numbness, heaviness, fatigue, insidious onset, usually in the upper limbs, and it is considered to be a public health problem due to its high prevalence in several professions. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the presence of RSI symptoms in hairdressers from the city of Cajazeiras-PB. Material and methods: This is an exploratory field research and a quantitative approach was employed. Sample consisted of 31 hairdressers, during May and June 2009. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire consisting of 10 objective questions relating to participants’ socio-demographic profile and questions about RSI symptoms. Results: It was verified that most hairdressers had 5-6 years of experience and had daily working hours from 6 to 10 hours. It was found that 90.3% worked standing throughout the workday and that 93.6 % of subjects reported feeling pain. The body region most frequently reported was hand and wrist (28.4%). Conclusion: The study results indicated that most hairdressers from the city of Cajazeiras showed various RSI symptoms related to repetitive motion and poor posture while working. DESCRIPTORS: Barber. Occupational Diseases. Work.