Musculoskeletal disorders : back and neck problems among sample of Iraqi dentists in Baghdad city

Abstract EN

Background: musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent an important occupational health issue in dentistry.

Musculoskeletal pain, particularly back pain, has been found to be a major health problem for dental practitioners Aims : the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of back and neck problems among a sample of Iraqi dentists in Baghdad city.

Subjects and Methods : the self-administered questionnaire was prepared comprising of 16 questions including personal details such as age, sex, occupation, specialty, weight.

The study was conducted on sample of 100 dentists, were randomly selected form College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, and private clinics in Baghdad city.

Statistical analysis used : the study was analyzed using chi-square test with help of SPSS software.

Results : the results of present study showed that back and neck problem among the dentist with 77 % had complaints of back and neck problem.

67 % of subject excessively bending and twisting in order to gain better access to oral cavity.

There is significant relationship of back and neck problem with age, weight but no significant relationship of back and neck problem with weekly working hours.

About 60 % of dentists contributed stress increased their back and neck problems.

Conclusion : the prevalence of musculoskeletal complains among dentist is high and well documented.

Stress and wrong postural practices are the main contributing factors to back and neck problems among dentists.