IADR Abstract Archives
Issues of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain Amongst Dental Students
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain amongst dental students and possible risk factors.
Methods: Single-blinded (participant), cross-sectional study based in the University of Leeds School of Dentistry aimed at all 4th/5th year dental surgery students (n=184). Observation of each students’ working practices were completed by 2 Independent examiners, using a checklist to record posture-related errors. In addition, questions were posed through self-administered questionnaires on presence of pain, working habits, environment, physical activity and some unrelated questions to mask the study purpose.
Results: 116 students consented to take part, 8 were excluded due to pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions leaving 108 participants. Observations revealed poor posture habits, the two commonest affecting more than 80% of students were lack of back support and incorrect patient position. Many reported musculoskeletal pain whilst or after they were working (70%), the most frequent pain that was reported was back followed by neck pain. There was however no statistical association between the posture related errors observed and prevalence of self-reported pain (P>0.05). A large number of participants however reported taking part in physical activity.
Conclusions: In conclusion, a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was reported amongst senior dental students in this study. Although the observed poor posture did not correlate to musculoskeletal pain in this study, pain is multifactorial and difficult to measure. Additionally, a large proportion of participants reported participating in physical activity which may be protective. Repeated postural errors may in time cause problems and this study showed that there are numerous issues which could be addressed in improving students’ working practices.
Methods: Single-blinded (participant), cross-sectional study based in the University of Leeds School of Dentistry aimed at all 4th/5th year dental surgery students (n=184). Observation of each students’ working practices were completed by 2 Independent examiners, using a checklist to record posture-related errors. In addition, questions were posed through self-administered questionnaires on presence of pain, working habits, environment, physical activity and some unrelated questions to mask the study purpose.
Results: 116 students consented to take part, 8 were excluded due to pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions leaving 108 participants. Observations revealed poor posture habits, the two commonest affecting more than 80% of students were lack of back support and incorrect patient position. Many reported musculoskeletal pain whilst or after they were working (70%), the most frequent pain that was reported was back followed by neck pain. There was however no statistical association between the posture related errors observed and prevalence of self-reported pain (P>0.05). A large number of participants however reported taking part in physical activity.
Conclusions: In conclusion, a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was reported amongst senior dental students in this study. Although the observed poor posture did not correlate to musculoskeletal pain in this study, pain is multifactorial and difficult to measure. Additionally, a large proportion of participants reported participating in physical activity which may be protective. Repeated postural errors may in time cause problems and this study showed that there are numerous issues which could be addressed in improving students’ working practices.