PREVALENCE OF WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AMONG DENTISTS PRACTICING IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN EDO STATE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of self- perceived musculoskeletal disorders associated with 
work among dentists practicing in Edo state.
Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in 3 public 
Hospitals and private hospitals in Edo state. The questionnaire collected information on sociodemographics, work characteristics, occupational life style, presence of low back pain and 
musculoskeletal symptoms in the past 12 months. Data was analyzed with the SPSS version 21.0 and 
descriptive statistics, cross tabulation and Chi-square test done with a p-value set at 0.05.
Results: A total of 96 questionnaires were administered with a response rate 88(91.7%). The 
respondents age ranged from 22 – 61 years (mean of 31 - 25± 6.58). There was male preponderance. 
The body mass index (BMI) of the respondents ranged from 17.3 to 40.0 with a mean of 24.8±3.9. The 
average daily work time of the respondents was between 2 – 12 hours. Majority 68(77.3%) of 
respondents reported having low back pain while 19(21.6%) of respondents claimed they have had a 
change of duty due to low back pain. The percentage of respondents who claimed to have reduced 
activities in the last twelve months as a result of low back pain was 35 (39.8%). Only 23 (26.1%) of those 
with low back pain were seen by a physiotherapist.
When asked about pain and discomfort in the anatomic parts, majority, 49 (55.7%) reported having neck 
pain and discomfort.
Conclusion: Dentists are at risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders especially neck and lower 
back pain. Therefore, preventive strategies that minimize the occurrence of these disorders, especially 
in those who are at increased risk should be practiced