Saudi Journal of Oral and Dental Research (SJODR)
Volume-3 | Issue-10 | 344-349
Original Research Article
Musculoskeletal Neck and Back Pain Among Dental Healthcare Workers in Port Harcourt
Alade GO, Osagbemiro BB
Published : Oct. 30, 2018
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of the neck
and back pain among students and staff of the Dental centre, University of Port
Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). This study was conducted among one hundred
subjects, comprising of ten consultants, eight residents, fourteen house officers, fortythree dental students, fifteen dental surgery assistants, four therapists and six
technologists. Evaluation of the subjects with self-administered questionnaires was
done, which comprised subjects’ biodata, posture during work, rest period at work,
exercise during rest and location of pain. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual
Analogue Scale (VAS) (0 -10) pain scores. Fifty-eight percent of the participants were
female, with male to female ratio of 1:1.34 and mean age was 30.23±8.49years.
Seventy-six percent (76%) had experienced back pain with neck pain predominating in
38.2% followed by upper back pain (31.6%). There was no statistical difference
between the percentage of males (76.2%) and females (75.9%) that have experienced
musculoskeletal pain. According to the cadre of the respondents; 100% of residents,
90% of consultants, 86.7% of DSA and 83.3% of dental technologist have experienced
musculoskeletal pain in their practice. Only 14.5% of the respondents had missed
practice due to pain. Majority (49.0%) compromised their posture while working and
only 9% do any form of exercise during rest period. There is a high prevalence of neck
and back pain among dental professionals in this study. Years of practice, number of
patients seen per day and posture plays a vital role. Hence, a review of the practice of
dentistry is needed.