Backache as one of occupational hazards and diseases among 900 dentists in Baghdad City

Abstract EN

Background : The present survey was conducted among 900 dentists (462 males and 439 females) with different age groups range from (23-68 years old), working in the city of Baghdad, in order to study different potential hazards and the existence of various diseases related to their occupation.

The prevalence of back pain was studied in relation to age, sex and number of working hours.

Materials and Methods : This study was carried out by mean of a questionnaire composed of 29 items about the personal information, general health status, ergonomical factors and usage of different preventive measures.

Results and conclusion : The results showed that the musculo skeletal pain was the most frequent complaint of dentists (87 %), back pain was the most prevalent of the musculo skeletal disorders among dentist (67.67 %) and more frequently in the cervical area (Neck and shoulders) (47 %).

Upper limb pain significantly increased with age (P < 0.01) while no significant association was found between musculo skeletal pain in general with age.

Back pain tended to increase with age in lumber area (P < 0.001).

Dentists who performed exercises had less musculo skeletal pain and complaints than those who did not.

This points to the beneficical effect of physical exercises.