Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Dental Health Workers, Southern Thailand.
Objectives. The objective of this study was to describe the socioeconomic situation of dental health work and work characteristics and to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among dental health workers. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 dental health workers and 124 persons in the reference group, matched to dental health workers by gender, were recruited from the workers who worked at the same 17 community hospitals in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand. Information was collected by using questionnaire. Data analysis comprised descriptive and analytical components. Results and Discussion. 75.8% were female and 24.2% were male dental health workers. 91.9% of subjects had worked >5 years. Most subjects worked for >8 hours per day and worked >6 days per week, at 63.7% and 53.2%, respectively. 100% of subjects worked in public institutions, and 68% also worked in both public and private institutions. Most subjects (52.4%) did not exercise. Daily activity, gender, duration of work, hours worked per day, days worked per week, and physical activity were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms at <0.001. Conclusion. The prevention and reduction of MSDs among dentists should include improving their education in dental ergonomics.
Department of Industrial Hygiene and Health Science, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, 222 Moo 2 Papayom District, Phatthalung Province 93210, Thailand.
Somsiri
0000-0001-7621-2008
S
Decharat
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, 222 Moo 2 Papayom District, Phatthalung Province 93210, Thailand.
Piriyalux
P
Phethuayluk
Department of Industrial Hygiene and Health Science, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, 222 Moo 2 Papayom District, Phatthalung Province 93210, Thailand.
Supandee
S
Maneelok