Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms in Saudi Allied Dental Professionals: Is there an Underestimation of Related Occupational Risk Factors?

This study aims to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms in allied dental professionals (ADPs) in Saudi Arabia and risk factors for MSDs. The study also explores ADPs’ opinions and attitudes about the effect of MSD symptoms on the quality of life and potential mitigatory...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2021-09, Vol.18 (19), p.10167
Main Authors: Bakhsh, Hadeel R., Bakhsh, Heba H., Alotaibi, Seham M., Abuzaid, Maha A., Aloumi, Latefah A., Alorf, Shoug F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arabic language
Biomechanics
Body mass index
Demographics
Demography
Dentists
Ergonomics
Health care
Job satisfaction
Musculoskeletal diseases
Pain
Posture
Professionals
Quality of life
Questionnaires
Radiology
Risk analysis
Risk factors
Students
Technicians
Working conditions
Working hours
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Summary:This study aims to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms in allied dental professionals (ADPs) in Saudi Arabia and risk factors for MSDs. The study also explores ADPs’ opinions and attitudes about the effect of MSD symptoms on the quality of life and potential mitigatory measures. This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Participants were 355 licensed dental staff (average age 33.6 ± 8.1 years, 69% women) working as assistants, lab technicians, radiology technicians, or sterilization technicians with at least six months’ work experience. The self-administrated questionnaire comprised socio-demographics, work-related factors, and items from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Multivariate and univariate logistic regressions were conducted to investigate risk factors for MSD symptoms. Overall, 93% of ADPs complained of MSD symptoms in at least one body site in the past 12 months. Factors related to work conditions (e.g., ‘keeping an uncomfortable posture for long periods of time’, ‘lifting heavy objects’) and years of experience were proven to be significant risk factor for developing MSDs. The cohort of ADPs showed a high MSD symptoms prevalence. Efforts are imperative in addressing the risk factors of ergonomics and the workplace environment, and more rigorous studies are needed to further investigate risk factors.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph181910167