Presenting Author: Ngoc Doan, Drexel University

ABSTRACT

Background: Vietnamese nail salon workers make more than half of the registered technicians in the United States. Previous studies have reported many adverse health effects, including dermatitis, respiratory irritations, cognitive symptoms, and musculoskeletal disorders, experienced by these workers.

Objectives: The goal of this study is to qualitatively assess knowledge and attitudes of the hazards at nail salons and to elicit barriers to safer practices among Vietnamese nail technicians.

Methods: Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were conducted with Vietnamese nail salon owners/managers (N=3) and nail technicians (N=14) in Philadelphia and neighboring counties. Short demographic surveys from the participants were also analyzed.

Results: Most of the Vietnamese nail salon workers have some awareness of the potential health effects from chemical exposures but they do not have good understanding on specific chemicals they work with. Nails salon workers reported wearing gloves and surgical masks for chemical protection for certain tasks with the main barriers being discomfort, difficulty working through fine motor skill tasks, and lack of personal protective equipment availability. Majority (including owners and managers) do not know or use the general ventilation system to dilute chemical concentration. Opening doors to reduce the smell from the solvents appears to be a common practice. Musculoskeletal disorders complaints were prevalent in this population. More experienced workers tend to have more ideas about ways to reduce musculoskeletal pain than less experienced workers.

Conclusions:Our study identifies gaps in nail salon workers’ knowledge of the work-related hazards and the needs for a comprehensive health and safety training. We intend to incorporate these findings in the development of the training modules and outreach program for Vietnamese nail salon workers in Philadelphia and neighboring counties.

Authors: Ngoc Doan; Ngan Trinh; and Tran Huynh, PhD, MPH, CIH.