Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among dentists are the subject of a large number of studies, focused on pain experienced by the practitioners.
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between MSD-provoked pain and gender, age, length of service, daily workload, working posture and pain location.
Methods: In 2012- 2013 a total of 1300 pre-piloted questionnaires were distributed among randomly selected dental practitioners in six regions of Bulgaria. Participants were divided into the following age groups: 25-35 years– n=163 (23%), 36-45years – n=171 (25%), 46-55years – n=196 (28%), 56-65years – n=139 (20%), and 66+years -n= 29 (4%). Participants completed the questionnaire consisting of 27 items on the topics of: socio-demographic background, work environment characteristics, pain characteristics and types of pain management. Data were entered into SPSS version 17. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive analysis and the chi-squared test. As no patient or animal was involved and the dentists anonymity was maintained and they were free to refuse or take part in the study, it was deemed unnecessary to seek ethics approval for the study.
Results: The response rate was 54% (700 dentists).The percentage of women, complaining of pain was significantly higher p<0.05 (87%) compared to men (72%) and 689 answered this question. Five hundred and eighty four (82.%) of respondents experienced pain due to MSD. There was a statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) between the type of musculoskeletal pain and length of service for the four periods of working that were listed in the questionnaire ( up to 10, 11- 20, 21-30 and over 31 years). The longer the length of service the percentage of affected subjects was higher- from 113 (71%) for dentists with up to 10 years service to 152 (91.%) for those having more than 31 years of service. Eighty three percent of dentists (n=268) who experience MS pain worked in a standing position and 106 (69%) - in a sitting position.
Conclusions: Amongst those who responded to the survey, women suffered from MSD significantly more than men. There was a significant positive correlation between the subjects’ work week duration and MSD and between working posture and MSD.
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