PREVALENCE OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISCOMFORT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE BACHELOR OF DENTAL SURGERY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Keywords:
Cross-Sectional Studies, Dentistry Students, Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disorders; , Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; , Occupational Health, ; PrevalenceAbstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort is a well-recognized occupational hazard in dentistry, often beginning during undergraduate clinical training. The repetitive motions, prolonged static postures, and awkward ergonomic positions required in dental practice increase the risk of chronic pain and disability, potentially affecting future professional performance.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal discomfort among undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students during their clinical training and to identify associated risk factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months among 120 undergraduate BDS students in Islamabad. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling from third-, fourth-, and final-year classes. Data were collected using the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess 12-month and 7-day prevalence of discomfort across nine body regions. Demographic variables, clinical working hours, and year of study were recorded. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence rates, while chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to examine associations, assuming normal data distribution. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and informed consent was secured from all participants.
Results: The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was 72.5% for the lower back, 68.3% for the neck, and 61.7% for the shoulders. Females reported higher rates of discomfort in these regions compared with males (p<0.05). Longer weekly clinical hours (>20) and final-year status were significant predictors of discomfort, with odds ratios of 1.84 and 1.62, respectively.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal discomfort was highly prevalent among undergraduate dental students, particularly in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Gender, clinical workload, and academic level emerged as key risk factors, highlighting the need for ergonomic training and preventive interventions within dental curricula.
References
1. Younis U, Shakoor A, Chaudhary FA, Din SU, Sajjad S, Younis M, et al. Work‐Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Associated Risk Factors among Pakistani Dental Practitioners: A Cross‐Sectional Study. 2022;2022(1):4099071.
2. Faruq Ibn S. Prevalence of common work related musculoskeletal disorders among the dentists at two selected dental college hospitals: Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University …; 2012.
3. Luba J. Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among the health professions stdents in Bangladesh Health Professions Institute and nursing college: Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University …; 2016.
4. KUMAR DVS. Ergonomic evaluation of working postures and work-related musculoskeletal problems among dental students.
5. Siddiqui TM, Wali A, Khan OH, Khan M, Zafar FJIJoCD, Reviews M. Assessment of knowledge, practice, and work environment related to ergonomics among dental students and dental practitioners. 2016;2016.
6. Mushtaq F, Qureshi R, Kamran FJGJoMS. ATTITUDE TOWARDS ERGONOMICS AND PRINCIPLES AMONG HOUSE SURGEONS AND POSTGRADUATE TRAINEES: A SURVEY. 2025;23(1).
7. Pazos JJJoAiM, Research M. Importance of Teaching Ergonomics in Dental School Education.
8. Hossain ME. LEVEL OF FUNCTIONAL DISABILITIES AMONG DENTISTS PRACTITIONER IN DHAKA CITY.
9. AFZAL A, ZAFAR S, ASHFAQ F, JAVAID J, TAJ R, MEHDI HJA. Assessment of the Understanding of Ergonomics Role in Triggering Musculoskeletal Pain Amongst Dentists of Karachi, Pakistan. 2023;27(34):3.34.
10. Nagarajappa R, Thakur PJNJoIRiM. Prevalence Of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dental Practitioners In Kanpur, India. 2015;6(3).
11. Shah S, Agrawal C, Shah F, Purohit P, Madhad V, Shah RJIJ. Assessment Of Knowledge, Awareness And Practice Related To Ergonomics Among The Dental Care Professionals Of Gujarat: A Questionnaire Based Survey. 2023;6(2):200.
12. Gupta A. PREVELANCE OF PAIN AND FACTORS COMPOUNDING MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN DENTISTS.
13. Naqvi WM, Kulkarni P, Sumbh SJPMR. Mechanisms leading to work related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Professionals. 2008;3(4):35-7.
14. Lakhani MJ, Girach M, Qadri W, Malik S, Riaz S, Qayum KA, editors. Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System amongst Practicing Dentists. Medical Forum Monthly; 2014.
15. Zahra F, Yousaf A, Ashfaq S, Ali F, Bangash KA, Sabir AJL, et al. Knowledge, attitude and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the dentists. 2021;2(2):4-.
16. Mando M. Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dentists in the United Arab Emirates: a Cross Sectional Study: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania); 2022.
17. Hossain UM. Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and its associated physical risk levels among dentists in Bangladesh. 2015.
18. Alyahya F, Algarzaie K, Alsubeh Y, Khounganian RJJopts. Awareness of ergonomics & work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals and students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 2018;30(6):770-6.
19. BATOOL ABBAS S, RIAZ QAZI S, Iftikhar S, USMAN IQBAL MJPO, Journal D. MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS AND DENTAL STUDENTS. 2015;35(3).
20. Pawar R, Ganiger C, Phaphe S, Ronad Y, Mane P, Satpute M, et al. Ergonomic Awareness and Musculoskeletal Pain Suffered by Dental Professionals of Western Maharashtra. 2020;15(3):414-20.
21. Ali Z, Chishty H, Farwa A, Fletcher NM, Ali SMJTPMJ. MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS;: PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS WORKING IN PRIVATE DENTAL CLINICS IN KARACHI. 2019;26(03):488-92.
22. Rehan F, LEGHARI MA, MEMON MS, Atif M, Masood A, Mohsin F, et al. Frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort among dentists in karachi, pakistan. 2015;35(4).
