Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among hairdressers in Daqing, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and management of upper limb WMSDs in this population.

Methods Using a cluster sampling method, the hairdressers aged at least 18 years old and working for at least one year in 40 hairdressing agencies in Daqing were studied from July to December 2023. The epidemiological cross-sectional survey method was used to conduct the questionnaire survey using the Chinese revised version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, which has been validated for reliability and validity. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze factors influencing upper limb WMSDs among these hairdressers.

Results A total of 262 hairdressers were surveyed, and 233 valid questionnaires were collected, with a valid response rate of 88.9%. Among the respondents, 161 were male (69.1%), with an average age of (27.2 ±5.7) years and an average work time of (5.4 ±4.5) years. The one-year prevalence of upper limb WMSDs among hairdressers was 56.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to non-drinking hairdressers, those who consumed alcohol had an increased risk of upper limb WMSDs (OR = 2.465, 95% CI: 1.374 to 4.420). Compared to hairdressers who exercised ≤ 1 hours per day, worked in a sitting position, and took breaks between jobs ≤ 30 minutes, hairdressers who exercised > 1 hours per day, worked in a standing position, and had breaks between jobs > 30 minutes had a reduced risk of upper limb WMSDs, with OR of 0.448 (95%CI: 0.245 to 0.817), 0.494 (95%CI: 0.277 to 0.882), and 0.533 (95%CI: 0.293 to 0.968), respectively.

Conclusions The prevalence of upper limb WMSDs among hairdressers was relatively high. Hairdressers can reduce the risk of upper limb WMSDs by controlling alcohol consumption, increasing physical exercise time, adjusting flexible working postures, and properly arranging breaks.