Abstract:
Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are increasing day by day
among dentists around worldwide. The prevalence of MSS among in dentistry
is relatively high. Musculoskeletal symptoms are a major cause of absence
from work in many occupations all over the world. One reason is the frequent
occurrence of work situations with longstanding or long sitting static or
repetitive load on the neck, shoulder and arms.
Objectives: This review aims to provide an overview of work related
musculoskeletal symptoms in the dental profession, more specifically, among
general dental practitioners and specialist orthodontists. To determine the
prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms(MSS) among dentists in last 12
months, to know the association between demographic factors and MSS in last
12 months, identify the risk level associated factors and treatment among
dentists over a one year period due to awkward posture among dentists.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey of a convenient sample of
200 participants was conducted in this study. Identified the postural risk level
of these participants were implemented by the REBA. In order to investigate
the MSS, the Standard Nordic Questionnaires has been used and the data were
processed by chi-square test to see the association of MSS and sociodemographic
factors.
Data
was
processed
by
using
SPSS
software
17.0
version.
Results: The result section had shown the general socio-demographic
characteristics of the study participants. Relationship between participants MSS
with socio-demographic and related factors, prevalence of MSS in most
commonly affected body parts and normal activities disruption in last 12
months in different body parts and postural risk level of awkward posture of
the participants and the activities of daily living problem those are associated
with the Dentists. This study had shown that high prevalence of
musculoskeletal symptoms on upper back 55.55% than wrists 22.22% and after
that lower back 11.11%. The upper back prevalence is high than the other body
region and this study had also shown that the highly significant relationship
between socio demographic characteristics and musculoskeletal symptoms of
the dentists in last 12 months and among them one is working days per week
(P=0.002) and working hours in a day (P=0.002).
Conclusion: Pain was most commonly reported in the neck, wrist/hand, and
upper back lower back, and back. This study shows that dentists has a high risk
of MSS and the impact of MSS on the work and life of dentists demonstrates
the need for increasing knowledge of MSS and the initiation of preventive
strategies.
