Effective Strategies for Mitigating Health Risks Among Skin And Nail Care Practitioners In Abia State

This study examines the health risks faced by skin and nail practitioners in Abia State, Nigeria and explores effective strategies for mitigating these risks. This is informed by the presence of harmful substances in chemicals used in the production of cosmetics constitute imminent danger to cosmetologists. The objectives of the study were to examine the work conditions of skin and nail care practitioners; ascertain the health hazards faced by skin and nail care practitioners; and to identify the appropriate strategies required to curtail the identified hazards. The population for the study were all skin and nail care practitioners in Abia State and the sample consisted of 120 persons conveniently selected although 116 practitioners eventually participated. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed for the study and titled “Mitigating Health Risks Questionnaire”. Findings showed that over 80% have encountered workplace hazards through different routes among which are: the hands (80.2%), eyes (35.3%), mouth (23.3%), nostrils (68.1%), work surroundings (38.8%), with the highest being dermal contact (92.2%). Findings also revealed that workplace conditions, such as lighting, workstations, availability of first aid facilities, and the availability of gloves and face masks were unsatisfactory. Thus, it was agreed as indicated by the grand mean (3.8) that strategies such as proper management of work schedule (3.9), maintaining adequate hygiene (4.3), regular exercise (3.3), provision of suitable chairs/tables (4.4), use of protective equipment (3.7), adhering to good work postures (4.2), among others, can effectively reduce the health risks faced by skin and nail care practitioners in Abia State. It was recommended among others that there should be continuous sensitization of the practitioners with regards to the risks associated with their work and thus ensure safe practice. Proper work conditions should also be created by salon operators and the use of personal protective equipment should be encouraged.