Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and its associated physical risk levels among dentists in Bangladesh

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.