Musculoskeletal Challenges among Malaysian Primary Oral Healthcare Personnel
doi.org/10.5704/MOJ.2511.003
- Author:
Jailan CJ
1
;
Mohd-Aris MS
2
;
Mohd-Radzi NA
3
Author Information
1. Oral Health Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Centre of Environmental Health and Safety, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
3. Centre of Population Oral Health and Clinical Prevention Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
musculoskeletal disorder (MSD);
ergonomic practices;
healthcare personnel;
workplace ergonomic
- From:Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal
2025;19(No. 3):19-27
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a
critical occupational health issue, particularly among dental
professionals, where repetitive tasks, prolonged postures,
ergonomic challenges, and psychosocial stressors contribute
to their high prevalence. Existing literature highlights
musculoskeletal issues, but gaps remain in understanding
their prevalence and causes among primary oral healthcare
personnel in Malaysia.
Materials and methods: A multistage sampling technique
was used to recruit a representative sample of 330
respondents from Malaysian primary oral healthcare
personnel in various job roles within government dentistry
facilities. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires (NMQ)
were distributed to investigate the prevalence of
musculoskeletal issues among the participants.
Results: Of the participants, 53.4% of females and 46.6% of
males reported experiencing work-related musculoskeletal
disorders (WR-MSD). The neck was the most affected
region, with a prevalence of 65.5%. Musculoskeletal
disorders were more prevalent among individuals with
longer years of service, with dental officers being the most
affected type of designation.
Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Malaysian
primary oral healthcare personnel, emphasising the need for
targeted ergonomic interventions and workplace practice
improvements to enhance occupational health and wellbeing.
- Full text:202601141539219036musculoskeletal-challenges.pdf
