Ma Quang Dung. Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists in Hanoi Vietnam. Master's Degree(Primary Health Care Management). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2009.
Epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists in Hanoi Vietnam
Abstract:
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most important occupational
health issues in dentistry. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of
MSDs and explored the related factors among dentists in Hanoi, Viet Nam.
Study design was cross-sectional. Self-administered questionnaires were
sent to 400 dentists working in Hanoi, Vietnam. Chi-square and multiple logistic
regression analyses were used.
Three-hundred-thirty-six questionnaires (84%) were completed; 61.6% of
them were from males, 38.4% from females with mean age = 34.0 year old (SD = 8.4).
Most were general dentists (78.3%). Almost 84% reported having experienced one or
more musculoskeletal symptoms during the past 12 months and 34.8% of them
reported having them in the last 7 days. The most prevalent locations in the previous
12 month were neck (58.0%), shoulder (57.1%) and lower back (46.7%). The right
shoulder and arm joints were many times more likely to be involved than the left. The
most commonly physician-diagnosed MSDs were neck pain (17.9%), back pain
(16.1%), and tendonitis (10.1%). None of the socio-demographic factors including
years in dentistry were significantly associated with having an MSD. Among the
work-related factors:- working more than 8 hour/ day, more than 5 days a week, more
than 60 minutes without a break, and only sitting when doing dental work were all
significantly associated with MSDs. Among the social factors, having little or no help
if they were sick or support from their colleagues were significant factors. For
multivariate logistic regression analysis, those significantly associated with MSDs in
bi-variate analyses remained significantly independently associated with having MSDs
except having help available when sick.
The study showed that MSDs were major occupational health issues for
dentists in Hanoi, Vietnam. Possibilities for preventions of future MSDs are
recommended.