Ergonomic risk exposure and work ability among young dental professionals in China: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Exposure to high ergonomic risk resulted in an increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professional. However, little is known about the high exposure risk impact on work ability among dental professionals. Objective We conducted a cross‐sectional study to examine the association between ergonomic risk exposure and work ability among young dental professionals in their early careers. Methods A total of 230 dental professionals including dentists, dental assistants, and nurses were clustered sampled from three hospitals in Guangzhou, south of China. We used the Quick Ergonomic Check (QEC) to assess participants' ergonomic risk exposure and Work Ability Index (WAI) to evaluate their work ability. Demographics and other factors related with WAI were also included in the data collection. Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the association between ergonomic exposure scores and WAI. Results A total of 218 participants (94.8%) had valid data and consent forms. The participants' average WAI was 39.6, of which the poor and moderate WAI composed 31%. High and very high ergonomic risk exposure level was 45.9% for the neck and 21.1% for the wrist/hand. In general, WAI decreased with higher ergonomic exposure level. With adjustment of other potential risk factors, the ergonomic scores for wrist/hand and total scores for the whole body were significantly associated with the decreased WAI. Conclusion High ergonomic risk exposure might risk in reducing work ability among young dental professionals. Intervention measures toward ergonomic risk should be taken to prevent WAI from decreasing in their early careers.

Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on musculoskeletal disorders and work ability among young dental professionals: A cluster-randomized controlled trail

“… 17 , 29 Our recent investigation found that WAI reduction was significantly associated with the high level of ergonomic risk exposure. 8 Despite PE in this current study did not reach a positive effect on WAI, we still detected an improvement of WAI and this is important for young dental professionals to prevent WAI from deteriorating in their early career. The presence of a high initial work ability level among the young participants and relatively short‐term follow‐up might be the explanations.…”

“…A RCT study showed that the participatory intervention did not reduce perceived physical workload and no evidence was found for the efficacy of the intervention in preventing musculoskeletal disorders among kitchen workers 10 . Our recent study revealed that ergonomic risk exposure was significantly associated with work ability among dental professionals 8 . It is not difficult to understand that the presence of MSDs may affect not only the physical function but also mental capacities, even future work ability prediction.…”

“…7 A cross‐sectional study in China showed high ergonomic risk exposure was significantly related to reduced work ability among young dental professionals. 8 …”

“… 10 Our recent study revealed that ergonomic risk exposure was significantly associated with work ability among dental professionals. 8 It is not difficult to understand that the presence of MSDs may affect not only the physical function but also mental capacities, even future work ability prediction. We supposed that MSDs were the primary outcome due to ergonomic risk exposure and then result in decreasing work ability.…”

“…Dental professionals are prone to suffer from MSDs, and result in either an early retirement, losing workdays, or disability 7 . A cross‐sectional study in China showed high ergonomic risk exposure was significantly related to reduced work ability among young dental professionals 8 …”