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Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs Tamuno-Opubo, Occup Med Health 2023, 11:6
RESPIRATORY FUNCTION AND SYMPTOMS OF HAIRDRESSERS IN PORT
HARCOURT AND ITS ENVIRONS
1
Tamuno-Opubo Abiye, 2Stanley Rosemary Oluchi, 3Owhondah Golden 3Austin-Asomeji
Iyingiala 1Chibuike Obiandu 4George Abiye
1
Emmanuel Gabrielle Akpenuchi
1
Department of Human Physiology, Rivers state University, Rivers State, Nigeria.*
2
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers state, Nigeria
3
Department of Community Medicine, Rivers state University, Rivers State, Nigeria.
4
Department of Anaesthesiology, Rivers state, University, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*corresponding author: tamunoopubo.abiye@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The current study was carried out to assess the respiratory function and symptoms of
hairdressers in the Port Harcourt Metropolis. A comparative assessment of respiratory
function of hairdressers and non-hairdressers in Port Harcourt was carried out. Respiratory
indices of 67 hairdressers and an equal number of non-hairdressers was carried out
according to guidelines of the American Lung Association and using the Vitalograph
Compact spirometer. The study showed that 34.3% of hairdressers reported having
respiratory symptoms, while 17.9% of control (non-hairdressers) had respiratory symptoms.
Chi-square analysis showed that the occurrence of respiratory symptoms among the
hairdressers was significantly higher compared to controls. Logistic regress analysis showed
that hairdressers were 2.3 times (95% C.I: 1.1 – 6.7) likely to develop respiratory symptoms
compared to non-hairdressers. Also, PEF of hairdressers was found to be 55.89 ± 18.52
compared to 44.90 ± 18.50 in controls and the MMEF of hairdressers was 2.19 ± 0.97
compared to 3.24 ± 1.32 in controls. Analysis showed that the PEF and MMEF of
hairdressers was significantly lower than that of non-hairdressers. The findings of the
present study are an indication that professional hairdressing practice in our environment
may pose reasonable cardiopulmonary risks on the practitioners. It has also shown that these
practitioners may present with significant debilitating respiratory disorders with increasing
duration of practice.
Keywords: Hairdressers, Cardiopulmonary functions, Respiratory symptoms, Occupational exposure

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Hairdressing is a profession that involves various tasks related to hair grooming and styling,
such as cutting, colouring, and chemical treatments. While hairdressers work in a creative and
dynamic environment, their occupation also exposes them to potential health risks, including
cardiopulmonary issues and respiratory symptoms.1,2 Some studies have assessed the
cardiopulmonary functions, common respiratory symptoms, and associated factors that affect
the respiratory health of hairdressers.1,3,4
Hairdressers are regularly exposed to a wide range of chemicals present in hair dyes, bleaches,
shampoos, hairsprays, and other hair care products. Some of these chemicals, such as ammonia,
formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can have adverse effects on

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respiratory health.5–7 Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may lead to irritation of the
respiratory tract, lung inflammation, and decreased lung function.6,8 The nature of hairdressing
work often involves prolonged standing, repetitive motions, and awkward postures. These
physical demands can contribute to increased cardiac workload and decreased lung function,
especially when combined with inadequate rest breaks or poor ergonomic practices.9–11
Exposure to airborne chemicals and irritants can result in chronic cough and wheezing. This
can be particularly problematic for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such
as asthma or allergies.11–13 Poor ventilation in hair salons and close proximity to clients can
increase the risk of respiratory infections, including common colds, flu, and other viral or
bacterial infections.10 The current study was carried out to assess the respiratory function and
symptoms of hairdressers in the Port Harcourt Metropolis.

2.0 METHODS
2.1 Study Population
The study population includes female hairdressers that currently work in hairdressing salons in
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state, Nigeria for at least one (1) year.
Hairdressers are professionals who specialize in cutting, styling, colouring, and maintaining
hair. They work in salons, barbershops, or as freelance stylists, providing a range of hair
services to their clients. Hairdressers are skilled in various techniques and trends and are
knowledgeable about different hair types, textures, and styles.
2.2 Sample Size and Sampling
The sample size for the study was determined using the sample size formula for cross-sectional
studies14 as shown below:
𝑧 2 +𝑆𝐷[1−𝑆𝐷]
n=
𝐸2

where n = Sample Size

Confidence level = 95%
Z = Z value = 1.69[determined from confidence level]
SD = Standard Deviation = 0.5
E = Margin of Error = 12%
1.962 +0.5[1−0.5]
Therefore, the minimum sample size calculated was n =
0.122
n = 67.

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Purposive sampling techniques was used to select 67 hairdressers from the study location while
67 non-hairdressers were selected as control subjects for each hairdresser selected for the study.
2.3 Ethical Consideration
Ethical approval to carry out the study was obtained from the research and ethics committee of
the Rivers state University. A willing informed consent was obtained from each participant
before their inclusion into the study.
2.4 Determination of Respiratory Indices and Data Collection
A questionnaire including demographic information was completed for each worker. A new
spirometry was performed according to the guidelines of the American Lung Association and
using the Vitalograph Compact spirometer that was calibrated twice, first at starting and second
every four hours.15 It was calibrated by a trained medical practitioner. The spirometries were
conducted for all workers under the same standard conditions.
2.5 Data analysis
The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v25
software. The spirometric indices of the hairdressers and control subjects were compared using
the independent T-test. The Chi-square statistic was used to assess the distribution of
respiratory symptoms in hairdressers compared to control participants. A p-value less than 0.05
was considered statistically significant.

3.0 RESULTS

Table 1 shows the demographic distribution of the study participants. The Table showed that
most of the participants (49.3%) were between that age of 30 – 39 years, while 34.3% of the
participants were between 40 – 49 years and 14.9% of the participants were between 20 – 29
years.

Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Participants

Hairdressers Non-Hairdressers
n=67, (%) n=67, (%)
Age Groups (years)
20 – 29 10(14.9) 11(16.4)
30 – 39 33(49.3) 34(50.7)
40 – 49 23(34.3) 23(34.3)

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Table 2 shows the distribution of respiratory symptoms in hairdressers and control participants.
The table showed that 34.3% of hairdressers reported having respiratory symptoms, while
17.9% of control (non-hairdressers) had respiratory symptoms. Chi-square analysis showed
that the occurrence of respiratory symptoms among the hairdressers was significantly higher
compared to controls. Logistic regress analysis showed that hairdressers were 2.3 times (95%
C.I: 1.1 – 6.7) likely to develop respiratory symptoms compared to non-hairdressers.
Table 2: Distribution of respiratory symptoms in hairdressers and control participants

Symptoms Hairdressers Non-Hairdressers Chi-square O.R (95% C.I)

n=67, (%) n=67, (%) (p-value)
Respiratory Symptoms 23(34.3) 12(17.9) 16.55 2.3 (1.1 – 6.7)
(0.001)
No Respiratory Symptoms 44(65.7) 55(82.1)

Table 3 shows a comparative analysis of the respiratory indices and blood pressure
measurements in hairdressers and control subjects
Table 3:Comparison of average respiratory indices in hairdressers and controls

Respiratory indices Hairdressers Non-Hairdressers

FVC (%) 51.67 ± 18.27 44.79 ± 29.28
FEV1 (%) 48.30 ± 12.64 42.49 ± 16.37
FEV6 (l/s) 1.62 ± 1.50 1.71 ± 1.16
FEV1/FVC (%) 90.75 ± 16.59 94.74 ± 16.47
PEF (%) 44.90 ± 18.50 55.89 ± 18.52*
MMEF (l/s) 2.19 ± 0.97 3.24 ± 1.32*
Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) 119.1± 18.5 118.7 ± 10.1
Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) 79.3 ± 8.50 78.6 ± 10.9
*difference in comparison to hairdressers is statistically significant (p<0.05)
4.0 DISCUSSION
The present study found that the surveyed hairdressers had higher incidences of cough, phlegm,
breathlessness, wheezing and chest illness compared to a non-hairdressing profession subject.
The above finding is consistent with previous reports that pointed the hairdressing profession
to be associated with a couple of health risks including the respiratory system.16–18 In fact,
ammonium persulfate has been identified as the most common specific cause showing signs of
a type-I-like hypersensitivity reaction with typical risk factors for atopy.19 But again, the
finding is an advanced discovery with respect to the report of Hiller et al.,19 who submitted that

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a specific occupational causation had not been proven as at the time of filling their report. The
higher incidences of respiratory symptoms may truly be connected to the possible hazardous
chemicals used in the hairdressing workplace. This line of thought is backed by similar research
studies that linked continuous exposure or inhaling of a chemical like ammonium persulfate (a
common chemical used by hairdressers) as being capable of irritating the lungs or cause a build-
up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).1,3,4,19,20 This, as described, could become a medical
emergency overtime. The above finding of the present study thus, reveal the need for job-
related health risk training and the proper use of appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) amongst professional hairdressers in our locality.
As recorded by the findings of the present study, a comparatively higher systolic blood pressure
values in the surveyed hairdressing subjects, the sedentary nature of their job amongst other
risks can predispose them to some forms of cardiopulmonary disorders. This position validates
the stance of Bradshaw et al.,21 who identified frequently reported musculoskeletal, skin and
respiratory symptoms in hairdressers in their locality. This is a pointer of the fact that longer
practice of the hairdressing profession may require regular health checks and immediate
retirement when there is an increasing health risk to the individual’s health.
The present study also found that the levels of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and mid-maximum
expiratory flow (MMEF) were significantly depressed and FEV1, FEV6 and FEV1/FVC
marginally decreased in the female hairdressers than in the female non-hairdressers. As already
established, if the FVC and the FEV1 are within 80% of the reference value, the results are
considered normal.17–19 The normal value for the FEV1/FVC ratio is 70% (and 65% in persons
older than age 65). In fact, when compared to the reference value, a lower measured value
corresponds to a more severe lung abnormality. Abnormalities of the FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in
female hairdressers have also been recognized to the result of a decrease in the airflow through
the lung, which may be caused by obstructive lung diseases, like emphysema and asthma.13,15,22
It is also possible to have situations where both restrictive and obstructive diseases are present.
5.0 CONCLUSION
The findings of the present study are an indication that professional hairdressing practice in our
environment may pose reasonable cardiopulmonary risks on the practitioners. It has also shown
that these practitioners may present with significant debilitating respiratory disorders with
increasing duration of practice. There is need for job-related health risk training and the proper
use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) amongst professional hairdressers in
our locality and of course, longer practice of the hairdressing profession may require regular

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heal the checks and immediate retirement when there is an increasing health risk to the
individual’s health.

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ISSN: 2329-6879