EVALUATION OF WORK POSTURE AND  PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG  DENTISTS IN LAGOS STATE

Osahon J. OKODUGHA; Donna C. UMESI; Udoka A.C. OKAFOR; Daniel O. ODEBIYI

Osahon J. OKODUGHA Department of Physiotherapy, School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos
Donna C. UMESI; Udoka A.C. OKAFOR; Daniel O. ODEBIYI University of Lagos, Nigeria

Keywords: : Dentists, Ergonomics, Musculo-skeletal-disorders, REBA, work-posture

Abstract

Dentists spend their work hours performing extremely precise procedures in a small space (the patients mouth), and dental work is typically characterized by postures with different degrees of distortion, prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, inadequate lighting, and vibrations. This study was designed to evaluate work posture and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dentists in Lagos State, Nigeria.

A total of 47 practicing dentists (males = 25, females = 22) from two Teaching Hospitals within Lagos state, Nigeria participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were required to complete a standard Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire; thereafter their work posture was evaluated using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tool. Chi-Square statistic was used to determine association among prevalence of WMSDs, REBA scores and anthropometrics.

Prevalence of WMSDs was 66.0%, with the low-back having the highest prevalence (51.1%). REBA scores indicated that most respondents (46.8%) were at Medium risk exposure to WMSDs. There was a significant association (p=0.025) between REBA scores and years of working experience; however there was no significant association (p=0.064) between REBA scores and the report of WMSDs.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder, particularly low back pain, was a common problem among dentists. Awkward postures and sustained contractions can be contributory factors to these disorders. Therefore, interventions such as education on proper work posture, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as wrist support, back belt and vibration attenuation gloves, and work-station ergonomics may be essential to reduce risk factors.