Article information
Year 2019 Volume 69 Issue 1 Page 46-52
Title:
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in the Neck, Shoulder, Hands and Wrists among Thai Endodontists
Keyword(s):
Endodontist, Magnification, Musculoskeletal disorders, Occupational disease
Abstract:
The aims of this study are to investigate self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the
association between prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms with certain individuals, work-related physical and
psychosocial factors among Thai endodontists. A questionnaire was mailed to 232 Thai endodontists. The questionnaire
consists of four parts include personal data, professional data, musculoskeletal data and psychosocial factors. Data
were analysed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression at a significant level of P<0.05. A total
of 200 participants returned questionnaires at an 86 % response rate. After excluding the samples who work as an
endodontists for less than 50 %, 84.9 % of Thai endodontists reported at least one musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs). The prevalence of disorders was highest in the neck (55 %) and right shoulder (48 %). Being less than 35
years old (P=0.005), having less than 5 years of work experience (P=0.001) and having a high physically demanding
job (P=0.047) were factors associated with MSDs complaint. Having a previous history of symptoms (OR:2.230,
95%CI:1.06-4.70) and not being in a regularly straight back position (OR:2.629, 95%CI:1.206-5.731) had a significant
correlation with present neck pain. The group of endodontists that use magnification had less prevalence of MSDs.
In conclusion, a high prevalence of Thai endodontists that reported MSDs were associated with young endodontists
and having a highly physically demanding job. The most prevalent region is neck pain, related with previous symptoms
and awkward posture. Interventions aimed at reducing the MSDs occurrence in endodontists should focus on
younger endodontists to prevent pre-symptoms and to decrease the prevalence of disorders.