Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Egyptian Dentists Working at Faculty of Dentistry-Ain Shams University

DM, El Hosseini; MA, Momen; GO, Wassif

doi:10.21608/ejom.2019.47856

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Egyptian Dentists Working at Faculty of Dentistry-Ain Shams University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.

² Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University

10.21608/ejom.2019.47856

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among dentists is high. The symptoms might
impair work capacity and the future possibility to stay in the profession. In Egypt, data about the prevalence and
risk factors of this problem are scanty. Aim of work: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs) and its distribution among dental staff, house officers and students at faculty of Dentistry, to find out the
influence of personal and job characteristics, physical and psychological risk factors at work on the occurrence
of MSDs and to detect the impact of MSDs on participants’ life. Materials and methods: A cross sectional
study was carried out among (403) participants. A self-administered questionnaire that included information
about: personal and job characteristics, a version of Standard Nordic Questionnaire for occurrence of MSDs
and modified version of Demand/Control model Questionnaire from Karasek for psychosocial factors. Results:
The overall MSDs prevalence among participants was 66.7%, in which 29.3% had chronic complaints. Neck
and shoulder pain were the most prevalent sites of complaint reported by 66.5% and 61.8% of the subjects
respectively, followed by low back pain and wrist pain (59.3%, 46.2%, respectively). The severity of MSDs
forced 24.2% of respondents to take analgesic, 30.1% to reduce their daily activities, and 8.6% to go on sick
leave. Dental staff significantly had the highest prevalence of MSDs compared to dental students and house
officers. Older age participants were more prone to MSDs compared to younger ones; female respondents had
higher MSDs than male but without statistical significance. As regard the physical factors at work: the use
of vibration tool, excessive arm elevation and prolonged standing / sitting were significantly associated with
increase in the prevalence of MSDs. Also psychosocial factors: as poor job control was significantly associated
with the development of MSDs while high work demand didn’t. Conclusion: Work related musculoskeletal
disorders are significant occupational health problems among both dentists and dental students. Their medical
consequences justify extensive preventive efforts. Specific occupational health education programs, including
ergonomic workplace adaptation should be implemented.

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