Physical & Postural Determinants of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Healthcare Professionals

Background: According to World Health Organization, work-related health deals with all facets of health and determinants of one’s health may vary in different occupations. Identifying those determinants may be crucial for primary prevention of risks and adverse health conditions.

Objective: To identify the physical and postural determinants of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare professionals.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out amongst public and private sector dentists of Hyderabad. The data was collected through pre-tested questionnaire from 132 participants. Participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, personal information, work-related factors, physical load related factors and prevalence of different musculoskeletal pain sites were analyzed through frequencies. Associations were assessed using Pearson’s coefficient the strength of association was determined via Chi-square test.

Results: Females (39.4%) as compared to males (60.6%) were more affected and most subjects falling in the age group of 24-28 years with +0.66 SD. The postgraduate (77.3%) individuals were more affected as compared to their graduate counterparts. Furthermore, majority complained of neck pain (65.8%) followed by back (64%) & shoulder (59.6) pain. The study also found out that majority of the dentists (95.6%) have a reduction in activity due to MSDs. The only significant association (P value = 0.039) was found between sleeping hours/day and occurrence of MS disorders.

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders amongst dentists were found in remarkably high number. Wrong posture and poor physical ergonomics of workspace are attributed to higher incidence of MSDs.