Prevalence and Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Complaints among Dental Practitioners in Alexandria, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufiya University, Egypt

2 Department of infection prevention and control, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal complaints represent a significant occupational health issue in
dentistry. In Egypt, data about the prevalence and risk factors of this problem are scarce so far.
Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among dental practitioners
and assess the risk factors of these complaints among dentists.
Methods: Cross-sectional was used for implementation of the study. Data were collected using Nordic
standard questionnaire and demographics questionnaire which were filled out by 200 dental
practitioners in their offices in public dental centers in Alexandria, Egypt.
Results: A large percent of dentists (72.0%) reported musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one site
during the past 12 months. The most commonly affected sites were low back (52.0%), upper back
(44.0%), ankles and feet (30.0%) and knees (29.5%). A significant difference was observed between
dental specialists regarding neck pain only as it was more prevalent among periodontics (40.9%)
followed by prosthodontics (36.4%).A significant association was found between Musculoskeletal
Disorders (MSDs) and duration of work ≤ 10 years (P=0.005). In addition, non-prolonged sitting was
significantly associated with MSDs (P=0.026). Sick leaves from 1-7 days due to MSDs were reported
by more than half (54.0%) of the practitioners who complained of MSD in the last twelve months.
Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSD symptoms exists among dental practitioners in Alexandria,
Egypt, which affects the daily practice of nearly half of them. Lower and upper back pain symptoms
were particularly common. Therefore, it is recommended that an appropriate training program be
implemented to improve dentists’ awareness regarding musculoskeletal symptoms and their
prevention.

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