PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS ANDASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS: A SURVEY CONDUCTEDAMONG DENTISTS IN LAHORE

Abstract

Study was conducted to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and associated risk factors among dentists in Lahore.Observational cross-sectional survey conducted in Lahore during March to May 2016. A total of 467 dentists were included with experience ranges from 1-30 years. Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire and specially designed questionnaire were used to record dentists’ responses of dentists.A total of n=467 dentists participated in the study. Results of the current study showed that 88% (n=411) of the total participants were suffering from MSDs. Out of which 51% (n=209) were males and 49% (n=202) were females with no statistically significant difference (p=1.03). Lower back pain was found to be the major complaint of the subjects accounting for 53% (n=218) of the total cases. An increase in prevalence of MSDs was seen with the increasing number of working years of dentists. This increase in MSDs was found to be statistically significant (p value=0.02). Dentists who performed procedures in sitting position had significantly less symptoms of MSDs (p=0.01). Most of the dentists worked between 4 to 8 hours a day. It was observed that increased number of working hours were directly associated with increased symptoms of MSDs (p value=0.01). It is concluded that MSDs has high prevalence among dentists and associated factors such as practicing years and work place ergonomics have a great impact on the prevalence of MSDs. Muscu-loskeletal disorders can be reduced through improving knowledge of ergonomics.