Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the dental profession in Brunei Darussalam
- Author:
ALice LAI
1
;
Kyi Oo YIN
1
;
Lay Wai KHIN
2
;
Nayake BP. BALALA
1
;
Lin NAING
3
Author Information
1. Occupational Health Division, Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam
2. University of Auckland, New Zealand
3. Dean’s Office, Investigational Medicine Unit, National University Hospital Singapore, Singapore
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dental profession;
work-related musculoskeletal disorders;
Brunei
- From:
Brunei International Medical Journal
2013;9(3):156-164
- CountryBrunei Darussalam
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Many health professionals, including those in the dental profession, suffer from work-
related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Literature reviews have reported on the high prevalence as
well as the significant burden in this specific profession. However, we could not find data on the preva-
lence of the problem and its work-related health risk profiles in Brunei Darussalam. This cross-sectional
study aims to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the dental profession of
the public sector, and identify their associated MSD risk profiles.
Materials and Methods:A survey
was carried out using a validated structured self-administered questionnaire among 155 dental person-
nel (57% response rate) employed by the Ministry of Health in Brunei Darussalam. Questions included
data on demographics, general ergonomic risk, and self-reported musculoskeletal complaints.
Results:The dental workforce was predominantly female (69.7%), with mean age of 39 (SD 9.87) years and
mean employment duration of 13.9 (SD 8.71) years. The most commonly reported body regions for
musculoskeletal problems experienced in the past year were shoulders (61.7%), lower back (59.3%),
upper back (55.7%), wrists/hands (53.4%), and neck (53.3%). Significant work-related associated
factors for MSD were glare for neck (p<0.05), elbows (p<0.001), wrists/hands (p<0.001) and upper
back (p<0.05) regions; time spent per patient for shoulders (p<0.05), and wrists/hands (p<0.05) re-
gions; dental group for shoulders (p<0.05), upper back (p<0.05), and lower back (p<0.05) regions;
and gender for neck (p<0.05), elbows (p<0.001), wrists/hands (p<0.001), and upper back (p<0.05)
regions.
Conclusion:The prevalence of self-reported MSD among dental personnel is high. Several
work-related factors have been identified to be associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in varying
body regions. Preventive measures need to be implemented to reduce the significant burden of MSD in
the dental profession.
- Full text:2026062510043347895201393156.pdf
