Work factors associated with ocular symptoms among hairdressers in Kinondoni municipality, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Objective: Hairdressers are exposed to chemicals from hair products such as hair dyes, glues, sprays, and relaxants, which increase risks for ocular diseases. The magnitude of ocular symptoms is known to be high. There are limited studies assessing factors associated with ocular diseases among hairdressers in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to determine work factors associated with ocular symptoms 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 of Kinondoni Municipality. Data on occupational activities, use of protective equipment, types of hair products used, and selfreported ocular symptoms were gathered by using a structured questionnaire. Chi square test and logistic regression were performed to understand factors associated with ocular symptoms. Results: The study enrolled a total of 300 participants who were primarily female (92%) with the mean age (28 ± 7) years. Ocular symptoms was associated with tasks like hair ironing [AOR= 2.55, 95% CI (1.29-5.06)] and blow drying [AOR= 16.51, 95% CI (4.32-22.01)], hair products including permanent wave [AOR =6.72, 95% CI (1.52-29.63)] and bleach [AOR=8.95, 95% CI (4.03-19.86)]. Gloves, face shield and masks usage was protective against ocular symptoms [AOR= 0.29, 95% CI (0.15 - 0.57)], [AOR=0.17, 95% CI (0.01-0.38)], [AOR=0.23, 95% CI (0.11-0.49)], respectively. Conclusion: Work tasks; hair ironing, blow drying, use of permanent hair wave and bleach were associated with ocular symptoms. Usage of gloves, masks and face shields protected the workers.