Self-reported risk factors related to the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints among Czech dentists

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe the occurrence of the most common complaints related to MSDs in Czech dentists and to assess the risk factors affecting them. A questionnaire survey of 581 Czech dentists (the response rate 72.6%) was conducted in 2011. The questionnaire ascertained general information about the respondents, their work habits and environment along with the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The respondents filled out the questionnaires during the educational events organized by the Czech Dental Chamber. At least mild difficulties associated with the motoric system were reported by 96.9% of the respondents, with 66.3% of respondents reporting moderate or major difficulties. Back and neck pain followed by shoulder pain and headache were the most common complaints in our sample. According to our data: age, gender, length of practice, a history of serious MSDs, the occurrence of MSDs in blood relatives, the perception of work as psychologically demanding, and especially a perceived moderate/bad general health were significantly associated with the four most common musculoskeletal complaints. Some of the factors were found as protective. This study suggests that MSDs represent a significant burden for Czech dentists and further research is needed to elucidate this issue.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Czech Dental Students. Part 1: a Questionnaire Survey

“…The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among dental students in this study was lower than in other studies (2,(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27). In accordance to other studies the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was higher in women than men (2,6,21,23,25,28,31), nevertheless, the difference was on the limit of statistical significance. A difference was found between the years of studies, however it was not statistically significant.…”

“…A questionnaire survey is often used in similar studies, because it is a cheap and relatively fast method with a sufficient value of gathered information, however, it is not possible to verify its truthfulness and accuracy. The questionnaire for this study was created by a combination of questionnaires from other studies (5,6,9,10,13,29) and from a pilot study performed by the authors among the dentists (8). It covered information about relevant personal information, possible risk factors, currently experienced musculoskeletal pain and opinions of the respondents related to musculoskeletal pain, ergonomics and dental education.…”

“…The prevalence of MSDs among dentists was between 62% and 91% (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). The most frequent areas of pain are neck, shoulders, lower back, hands and wrists (3,5,7,8,(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16).…”

Dentists?? Health Influencing Psycho-Physiological Factors during Work

“…26% of dentists experience numbness in hands after finishing work, 18% admits that they feel sickness, imbalance or dizziness after work [8][9][10][11][12][13].…”

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists in Iran: A Systematic Review

“…These diseases lead to physical, emotional, economical and social consequences on healthcare workers and their families (9). Studies show that wide variety of workplace hazards such as infections, eye injuries, vibration, percutaneous exposure incidents, exposure to radiation, dental materials, noise, psychological conditions and musculoskeletal disorders exists in dental practice (10). Dentistry is a high-risk profession in MSD (11)(12)(13) and it has large effect on their practices (14).…”