Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia.

[Purpose] Musculoskeletal disorders are common causes of work-related disability in different professions involving the frequent practice of lifting, stooping, twisting, prolonged sitting, or standing. The dental profession is one such profession. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia, the factors associated with them, and their consequences and to propose preventive measures for them.
[Subjects and Methods] A self-administered online questionnaire was sent to 225 members of the Saudi Dental Association. It included questions on demographic and professional characteristics, general medical history, and history of work-related musculoskeletal disorders before and after joining the dental profession.
[Results] The questionnaire was completed by 65% of the respondents. Among them 85% reported that they had developed some pain due to work after joining the dental profession, and 42% reported that they were suffering pain at the time of the survey. Besides lower back, shoulder, and neck regions, the hands, upper back, and other regions like the elbows, buttocks, thighs, leg, and feet were areas in which they pain.
[Conclusion] The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia is high, affecting their daily activities, sometimes even forcing them to change their work setting. Age, gender, specialty of work, work setting, number of contact hours with patients, etc., were all found to be related to their work-related pain. We need to emphasize the role of ergonomics, counseling, proper techniques of patient handling, etc., during the training of dental professionals so that they can work efficiently.

INTRODUCTION

Musculoskeletal disorders are a common cause of work-related disability in different professions1). The physical aspect of work associated with such professions has been identified as a risk factor for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). In dentistry, overstrained and awkward postures, repetitiveness of different joint movements, use of high frequency vibration tools, and psychological stress have been identified as risk factors2, 3).

In the last decade, various studies have been published around the world citing the high prevalence of WRMDs among dental professionals2,3,4,5). The most affected regions reported are the back and neck5). The need for prevention of these disorders has been identified, including identification and modification of risk factors associated with this profession4).

The data on the prevalence of WRMDs for different professions can provide the basis for formulation of necessary strategies to prevent them in the future. However, to our knowledge, no data on the incidence or prevalence of WRMD among dental professionals has been reported previously in Saudi Arabia.

The objectives of this study were to report the prevalence of WRMDs among dental professionals working in Saudi Arabia; identify factors, such as age, gender, subspecialties of dentistry, and the work environment, that might be associated with them; determine how WRMDs affect their work and activities of daily living; and propose some preventive measures.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The questionnaire used to collect data for this study was based on similar studies published previously2, 3, 5, 6) and was adapted to the Saudi work culture for use among dental professionals working in Saudi Arabia. The study fully complied with the ethical standards for human research of King Saud University.

The questionnaire included 43 questions pertaining to three domains, demographic and professional characteristics, general medical history, and history of WRMD before and after joining the dental profession. These domains included questions pertaining to work setting characteristics and the effect of WMRD on dentists’ daily work and non-work activities. WRMD was defined as any unpleasant sensation in the musculoskeletal system of the body developed after joining the dentistry profession.

The questionnaire was uploaded online, and the web link for the survey along with an explanation of the purpose of the study were sent to 225 members of the Saudi Dental Association (SDA) working in Saudi Arabia, inviting them to participate in the study. Respondents were assured of confidentiality of their information. Two weeks after uploading the questionnaire online, a reminder email was also sent.

Dental professionals who were members of the SDA and involved in direct patient contact for at least 10 hours per week were eligible to participate. The participants had to complete the questionnaire online. Incomplete questionnaires were rejected.

RESULTS

Out of 225, 146 (65%) members of the SDA completed the online questionnaire. Among them, 69 (47%) were females, and 77 (52%) were males. The majority of the respondents, 102 (70%), were under the age of 40 years (Table 1). Overall, 94 (64%) of the respondents were Saudi in origin. However, no difference in prevalence of WRMDs based on nationality was observed. Out of the 146 respondents, 119 (81%) respondents indicated that they were satisfied with their job.

Table 1.

Demographic data

	Females	Males	Total
Total respondents
AGE	69 (47)	77 (52)	146 (100)
<40	46 (45)	56 (55)	102 (70)
40–50	21 (66)	11 (34)	32 (22)
>50	02 (17)	10 (83)	12 (8)
Height (cm)
<168	51 (82)	11 (18)	62 (42)
168–177	17 (29)	41 (71)	58 (40)
>177	01 (04)	25 (96)	26 (17)
Weight (kg)
<60	30 (81)	07 (19)	37 (25)
60–80	34 (50)	34 (50)	68 (47)
>80	05 (12)	36 (88)	41 (28)
Work experience (years)
<2	08 (42)	11 (58)	19 (13)
2–5	18 (78)	15 (22)	33 (23)
>5	43 (46)	51 (54)	94 (64)
Direct patient contact (hours/week)
<25	19 (44)	24 (56)	43 (29)
25–30	25 (55)	20 (45)	45 (31)
>30	25 (43)	33 (57)	58 (40)

Values in the tables are numbers followed by percentages in parentheses

Of the 146 respondents, 134 (92%) were dentists, 6 (4%) were dental assistants, 5 (3%) were dental hygienists, and 1 (1%) was a dental technician. Among the respondents 68 (47%) had only a Bachelor’s degree, while 35 (24%) and 30 (20%) also had a Master’s degree and PhD degrees, respectively. the remaining 13 (9%) had a diploma certificate. Ninety-four (64%) had work experience (WE) of more than 5 years. Most of the respondents, 138 (94%), reported that they worked as a full time professionals with patient contact of more than 15 hours per week (Table 1).

The majority of the respondents, 46 (31%) had endodontics as their area of specialty. Thirty-seven (94%) respondents were employed in the government sector, while 9 (6%) were employed in the private sector. The main employers were hospitals, with 49 (34%) respondents employed in the (Table 2).

Table 2.

Basic data and WRMD characteristics before joining dental profession

	Females	Males	Total
Speciality
Orthodontics	13 (48)	10 (08)	23 (16)
Endodontics	21 (27)	25 (35)	46 (31)
Prosthodontics	14 (02)	17 (08)	31 (21)
Periodontics	09 (22)	14 (01)	23 (16)
Pediatrics	12 (22)	11 (01)	23 (16)
Work setting
Hospital	25 (51)	244 (49)	49 (34)
Clinic	24 (60)	16 (40)	40 (27)
University	13 (31)	29 (69)	42 (29)
Private	03 (33)	06 (67)	09 (06)
Community care	04 (67)	02 (33)	06 (04)
Physical disability or functional limitations before joining dental profession
Yes	04 (36)	07 (64)	11 (05)
No	65 (48)	70 (52)	135 (93)
WRMDs before joining dental profession
Yes	12 (60)	08 (40)	20 (14)
No	61 (48)	65 (52)	126 (86)

Values in the tables are numbers followed by percentages in parentheses

One hundred and thirteen respondents (80%) reported that they were not under treatment for any medical condition. Among the rest, 19 (57%) reported that they had hypertension, 14 (43%) reported that they had diabetes, and 2 (7%) reported that they had cardiac disease. Fifty-five (39%) respondents reported that they had complaints of headache at least three times a week, forcing 26 (18%) of them to seek treatment.

The most common position adopted during daily work routine was sitting, with 116 (79%) respondents reporting that they sat, while 30 (20%) reported that they stood. Among those who reported sitting 70 (56%) respondents reported that they used a revolving chair in their set up, and only 20 (16%) used chairs with an arm rest.

Out of the 146 respondents, 126 (86%), constituting 61 females and 65 males, reported that they had no musculoskeletal pain disorder, and 135 (93%) reported no functional limitation or physical disability before joining the dental profession (Table 2). On the other hand 124 (85%) reported that they had developed some sort of musculoskeletal pain after joining the dental profession. Among these respondents, 37 (30%) reported that their pain was sudden in origin, and the average duration of pain was greater than 4 weeks in 19 (16%) respondents. At least 52 (42%) respondents reported that they were suffering from work-related pain at the time of the survey (Table 4). However, only 47 (38%) respondents suffering from musculoskeletal pain due to work reported that they sought some treatment for their condition.

Table 4.

WRMD characteristic after joining dental profession

	Females	Males	Total
Current pain
Yes	30 (42)	42 (58)	72 (58)
No	31 (60)	21 (40)	52 (42)
Onset of pain
Sudden	16 (10)	21 (29)	37 (30)
Gradual	45 (20)	42 (18)	87 (70)
Average duration of pain
<2 weeks	35 (44)	45 (56)	80 (64)
2–4 weeks	16 (64)	09 (36)	25 (20)
>4 weeks	10 (53)	10 (47)	19 (16)
Effect of pain on daily activities
No	31 (42)	42 (58)	73 (59)
Yes	30 (59)	21 (41)	51 (41)
Activities limited due to pain
Bending	15 (47)	17 (53)	32 (26)
Twisting	22 (51)	21 (49)	43 (35)
Stooping	00 (00)	03 (100)	03 (02)
Patient handling/ Treatment	18 (55)	15 (45)	33 (27)
Prolonged sitting	17 (41)	24 (59)	41 (33)
Prolonged standing	14 (87)	16 (13)	30 (24)
Others	06 (50)	06 (50)	12 (10)
Effect of pain on work activities
No	26 (54)	22 (46)	48 (39)
Yes	35 (58)	41 (42)	76 (61)
Outcome of WRMDs
Sick leave	29 (59)	20 (41)	49 (39)
Compensation	05 (55)	04 (45)	09 (07)
Reduced non work activities	14 (52)	13 (48)	27 (22)
Reduced working hours	15 (52)	14 (48)	29 (23)
Change of work setting	16 (34)	31 (66)	47 (38)
Others	08 (53)	07 (47)	15 (12)

Values in the tables are numbers followed by percentages in parentheses

On a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10, 13 (10%) of the respondents reported their worst ever pain as less than 3, 30 (24%) reported it between 3 and 5, while in 81 (65%) reported it was more than 5. Out of these 81 respondents, 15 (12%) respondents reported their worst pain as 10 out of 10. The distribution of WRMDs is given in Table 3. Most of the respondents had work-related pain in more than one region. Among 124 respondents reporting that they suffered from WRMDs, most of the respondents, 74 (60%) reported pain in the lower back region.

Table 3.

Distribution of WRMDs among respondents after joining dental profession (most of the respondents had complaints in multiple locations)

Location	Females	Males	Total
Neck	33 (56)	26 (44)	59 (48)
Shoulder	34 (58)	25 (42)	59 (48)
Elbow	02 (67)	01 (33)	03 (2)
Hand	20 (59)	14 (41)	34 (27)
Upper back	15 (52)	14 (48)	29 (23)
Lower back	32 (43)	42 (57)	74 (60)
Low back and buttocks	04 (44)	05 (56)	09 (07)
Thighs and knee	04 (66)	05 (34)	06 (05)
Lower leg	06 (75)	02 (25)	08 (06)
Foot	12 (70)	05 (30)	17 (14)
Others	02 (50)	02 (50)	04 (03)

Values in the tables are numbers followed by percentages in parentheses

Fifty-one (41%) of respondents who reported development of WRMDs after joining the dental profession reported that they were unable to practice their regular daily activities involving bending, twisting, stooping, etc. Forty-seven (38%) respondents reported that they had to decrease their non-work-related activities due to pain, while 48 (39%) reported that they were unable to practice their daily work activities. Patient handling/treatment was reported to be the most difficult task by 33 (27%) respondents. The severity of WRMDs forced 49 (39%) respondents to go on sick leave, and 9 (7%) of the respondents reported that they had claimed compensation due to their WMRDs (Table 4).

Respondents attributed their pain to various different reasons. Out of 124 respondents, 90 (73%) reported that their WRMDs were due to frequent strenuous back positions during work, 71 (57%) reported that they were due to repetitive shoulder/hand movements, 51 (41%) reported that they were due to high job demand, and 10 (8%) reported use of vibrating tools as the cause of their pain. Another 38 (30%) reported other causes like high exertion and low job control as the reason for their WRMDs.

Out of 124 respondents with WRMDs, 47 (39%) sought treatment for their pain, while the remaining 77 (62%) did not seek any treatment. Physical therapy was sought by at least 15 (32%) respondents, while the remaining respondents reported either consultation of a physician or taking muscle relaxants and analgesics for their pain.

Among the 102 (70%) respondents who were under 40 years of age, 37 (36%) reported suffering from WRMDs at the time of the survey. Compared with older respondents, who had the most complaints in the back and neck, these young respondents complained more about pain in other parts of the body like shoulders, knees, feet and hands. Respondents with WE of more than 5 years reported a higher prevalence of WRMDs than those with lesser WE.

Out of the 124 respondents who suffered from WRMDs after joining the dental profession, 61 were females and 63 were males. This accounts for 88% and 82% of all female and male respondents. Compared with males, the duration of pain in females was longer. The majority of males have the most pain complaints in the lower back, neck, and shoulder regions. However, females reported experiencing pain in these regions in addition to the hand and knee regions (Tables 3and 4).

Specialists in pediatrics, accounting for 21 respondents (91%), were the most affected aby WRMDS, followed by endodontics accounting for 41 (89%) respondents. Twenty-six (84%) prosthodontists reported to develop work-related pain, while 18 (78%) orthodontists and periodontists reported development of WRMDs after joining their professions.

Respondents with more patient contact had higher prevalence of WRMDs. Among those with patient contact of more than 30 hours per week, 27 (59%) reported severe pain in one or more region. Compared with those with less patient contact, the location of pain in respondents with patient contact of more 30 hours per week was widely distributed, forcing at least 20 (34%) of them to go on sick leave.

The location of the pain among the respondents seemed to be related to the type of chairs they used in their clinical facilities. Respondents who used a revolving chair had a higher prevalence of WRMDs, with 32 (54%) of them complaining of pain in the neck region and 36 (61%) complaining of pain in the shoulder region. Respondents using chairs with arm rests had less pain complaints than those reporting using chairs without arm rests, with 38 (51%) complaining of pain in the lower back and 34 (58%) each complaining of pain in the neck and shoulder region (Table 5).

Table 5.

Chairs used in clinic and location of pain

Location of pain	Total	Fixed chair	Revolving chair	Chair witharmrests	Chair withoutarmrests
Neck	59 (48)	02 (03)	32 (54)	07 (12)	34 (58)
Shoulder	59 (48)	01 (02)	36 (61)	03 (05)	34 (58)
Elbow	03 (02)	00 (00)	01 (33)	00 (00)	03 (66)
Hand	34 (27)	02 (06)	20 (58)	04 (12)	17 (50)
Upper back	29 (23)	00 (00)	19 (66)	03 (10)	11 (38)
Lower back	74 (60)	01 (01)	43 (58)	13 (18)	38 (51)
Lower back and buttocks	09 (07)	00 (00)	04 (44)	02 (22)	04 (44)
Thighs	06 (05)	00 (00)	03 (50)	02 (33)	03 (50)
Lower leg	08 (06)	00 (00)	02 (25)	03 (37)	03 (37)
Foot	17 (14)	00 (00)	08 (47)	03 (18)	07 (41)

Values in the tables are numbers followed by percentages in parentheses

DISCUSSION

The prevalence of WRMDs among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia was found to be high, with at least 85% of the respondents reporting development of some musculoskeletal pain after joining the dental profession. Out of these respondents, 52% reported that they were suffering from pain at the time of the survey. Our data suggests that age, gender, duration of contact with patients per week, the chairs used in the clinics, and area of dental specialty are all related to this high prevalence. This is first study of its kind to be done in Saudi Arabia.

Our findings are the same as those of previous similar studies done around the world, such as in Greece6), Sweden3, 8) and Canada7), reporting dentistry to be a high risk profession for development of WRMDs. In most of these studies, back pain was the most reported WRMD among dentists, with its prevalence ranging from 37% and 55%2, 9,10,11). In our study, along with pain in the lower back region (reported by 60% of the respondents), pain in the neck and shoulder regions (48% each), hands (27%), upper back region (23%), and in other regions like the elbows, buttocks, thighs, leg, foot, etc. (26%), also showed a high prevalence.

The respondents in our study were relatively younger, with 70% of them under 40 years of age. Among these respondents, at least 36% had work experience of less than 5 years (Table 1). The high prevalence of work-related pain in these young professionals is either due to overload in the work setting, faulty ergonomics, or incorrect techniques used during treatment of patients12, 13). Such professionals are at the beginning of their career. As WRMDs are known to increase with age, if dental professionals suffer pain at this point in their lives, the problem could grow, making it difficult for them to practice in the future. Strategies need to be developed that can help them to continue clinical practice without such problems14).

Our study is in line with the previous studies showing WRMDs to be gender related15). The prevalence of WRMDs after joining the dental profession was found to be high in female professionals compared with their male counterparts. This is accounted for by their higher body weight, smaller height, and differences in muscle strength and composition16,17,18). Smaller body builds among females (Table 1) acts as a disadvantage when lifting or transferring equipment and when applying body force during treatment, putting an extra load on their bodies especially the spine.

Furthermore, in our study, specialists from pediatrics seemed to be at the most risk of developing WRMDs with 91% of them reporting some work-related pain. However, the distribution of pain is different in specialists from different areas of dentistry. In orthodontists, 27% each specialists reported pain either in the neck or lower back region. In endodontists, the elbow region (20%) was reported to be a major area of pain. In prosthodontists and periodontists, pain in the hand (20% each) was the most reported WRMD. In respondents with pediatric specialists, knee pain (22%) was the major reported WRMD. Such differences in the prevalence of various WRMDs among dentists from different specialties have been observed in previous studies6, 19) and can be accounted for by the difference in nature of the duties they perform and whether they have direct patient contact or not. Work posture during the scaling procedure has been reported as a risk factor for development of WRMDs20).

Work-related disorders seem to have a major effect on their daily activities other than work, especially in those with patient contact of more than 30 hours in a week. Respondents reported significant decrease in activities like shopping, cooking, and other home duties. At least 40% of them reported that they had to go on sick leave, 23% had to reduce their working hours, and 39% had to seek some treatment for their pain. Other studies have also reported sickness absence, changing the work setting, and even claiming compensation as the outcome of WRMDs6, 21). Respondents felt unhappy and “low” after their work time and reported that this affected their care of patients. They should be encouraged to discuss their workloads, self-efficacy and personal health14).

In previous studies a significant relation has been found between self-reported risk factors and the occurrence of WRMDs in different parts of the body6). Similarly, in our study, risk factors reported include frequent strenuous back position during work, repetitive shoulder/hand movements, use of vibrating tools, use of revolving chairs hairs and chairs without armrests, high job demand, and others like high exertion and low job control. Height adjustable chairs with armrests/supports have been ergonomically proven to be an efficient intervention for reducing musculoskeletal pain22, 23). Both physical load and psychological factors play an important role in maintaining general health.

Beyond a limit, patient handling/treatment has also been known to cause WRMDs among other health professionals like physical therapists17, 21), nurses24,25,26), and other care givers27). Preventive measures should always be considered while handling the patients by incorporating special equipment, suspension frames, automatic chairs, and height adjustable beds. The role of ergonomics, proper techniques of carrying and lifting, healthy work environment, team work, prevention of injury, counseling, etc., needs to be emphasized during training of health professionals so that they can use their body force efficiently and effectively without putting an extra load on any specific part of the body. Ergonomics may be introduced as a separate course during their studies.

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia is high, affecting their daily activities, sometimes even forcing them to change their work setting. Age, gender, specialty of work, work setting, number of contact hours with patients, etc. were all found to be related to their work-related pain. We need to emphasize the role of ergonomics, counseling, proper techniques of patient handling, etc., during the training of dental professionals so that they can work efficiently.

This study needs to be repeated with a long-term follow-up to see how such professionals cope with such a challenge. We need to devise primary as well as secondary prevention strategies to decrease the prevalence of WRMDs among dental professionals so that can effectively take care of patient and focus on their work.

This study used a self-report questionnaire to be completed by the respondents, who described their own conditions. There is a possibility that they may have overestimated their past experiences. Dental professional who were not members of SDA were not included in the study.