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Al-Huthaifi BH, Al Moaleem MM, Alwadai GS, Nassar JA, Sahli AAA, Khawaji AH, Juraybi AK, Alsheri YA, Aldhorae K, Yaqoub AA, Aljabali SA, Dobashi AM, Al-Qubati SW. High Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dental Professionals: A Study on Ergonomics and Workload in Yemen. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e942294. [PMID: 38115571 PMCID: PMC10790725 DOI: 10.12659/msm.942294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dentists frequently have work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) diseases, which are the profession's second most common cause of disability. Awareness of dental ergonomics is necessary for controlling MSDs associated with dental workload. Dental professionals need additional training in dental ergonomics to reduce serious complications associated with dental workload. This questionnaire-based study aimed to evaluate the understanding of physical ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders in 310 dental health professionals and students in Yemen. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 dental professionals working in various clinics and universities in Sana'a City, Yemen. They received a self-administered questionnaire that was developed from earlier studies. Five sections made up the questionnaire. The first section of the survey included questions about sex, age, and clinical professions; the second section focused on ergonomic awareness; the third section asked about work conditions; the fourth section asked about the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders; and the fifth section asked about interventions used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, and a P value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Only 310 questionnaires were completed. The participants'; level of understanding of ergonomics was low. One-way ANOVA showed a significant portion of respondents reported having MSDs, and they frequently reported pain related to workload. The neck, lower back, upper back, and shoulders experienced the highest levels of pain. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of MSDs was high among dental professionals, especially in the lower back, upper back, and shoulder. This necessitates preventive measures like ergonomic positions, ergonomic equipment, regular exercise, and work breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basem H. Al-Huthaifi
- Department of Preventive and Biomedical Science, College of Dentistry, University of Science and Technology, Sana’a City, Yemen
| | - Mohammed M. Al Moaleem
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Science, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadeer S. Alwadai
- Department of Restorative Dental Science, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jihad Abou Nassar
- Fixed Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | | | | | | | - Yazeed Ali Alsheri
- Dental Intern, College of Dentistery, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Aldhorae
- Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Thamar University, Thamar, Yemen
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Ibn al-Nafis for Medical Sciences, Sana’a, Yemen
| | - Amal A. Yaqoub
- Dental Intern, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shuaib Ali Aljabali
- Department of Restorative and Prosthodontics, Collage of Dentistry, University of Science and Technology, Sana’a, Yemen
| | | | - Sahl Waleed Al-Qubati
- Department of Preventive and Biomedical Science, College of Dentistry, University of Science and Technology, Aden, Yemen
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