1.Musculoskeletal Challenges among Malaysian Primary Oral Healthcare Personnel
Jailan CJ ; Mohd-Aris MS ; Mohd-Radzi NA
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal 2025;19(No. 3):19-27
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.
2.Effects of occupational sunlight exposure and monsoon season on vitamin D concentration among outdoor and indoor workers in Malaysia
Norliyana Aris ; Amal K. Mitra ; Wan Mohd Izani Bin Wan Mohamed ; Wan Abdul Manan Bin Wan Muda ; Hamid Jan Bin Jan Mohamed
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2020;26(No.3):425-439
Introduction: Despite abundant sunshine for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, low
levels of vitamin D have been documented among the Malaysian population. The aim
of this study was to characterise the effects of occupational sunlight exposure and
monsoon season on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. Methods:
A comparative cross-sectional study was performed among Malay outdoor (n=119)
and indoor workers (n=119) in Kelantan. Two-point data were collected on the same
participants, first during non-monsoon season and second during the northeast
monsoon season. Data collection comprised of anthropometry measurements (body
mass index and body fat), fasting blood test [serum 25(OH)D concentration], and
questionnaire (physical activity level, sun exposure, sun protection use, and vitamin
D intake). Vitamin D classification was based on the 2011 Endocrine Society Clinical
Practice Guidelines. Results: This study found that serum 25(OH)D concentrations
were significantly higher in outdoor compared to indoor workers irrespective of
season (p<0.001) and sex (p<0.001). Monsoonal differences in serum 25(OH)D
concentration was only observed in male outdoor workers (mean difference=10.39
nmol/l, p<0.001). Significant association between vitamin D status and occupation
was also observed (p<0.001). However, no significant association was found between
vitamin D status and monsoon season [χ2(1)=0.076, p=0.783]. Conclusion: Seasonal
and occupational factors should be considered while evaluating individual serum
25(OH)D concentration and in comparing community studies, especially among
workers.


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