POSTURE, PRACTICE, AND PAIN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS AND DENTAL ASSISTANTS IN ISLAMABAD

Abstract

Objective: To estimate MSD prevalence across anatomical regions and identify occupational and demographic predictors.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 participants (149 dentists, 54 DAs) from dental teaching hospitals. MSDs were assessed using the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and logistic regression identified predictors. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess the association between MSDs in various body parts and different demographic variables at 5% level of significance.

Results: Dentists most frequently reported neck (72.5%), shoulder (56.4%), and lower back pain (55.7%), while DAs had more wrist (44.4%) and lower limb complaints. Neck pain was less likely in female dentists (OR = 0.225, p = .027). Shoulder pain was associated with older age (OR = 1.225, p = .013) and right-hand dominance (OR = 48.446, p = .007). Wrist pain was linked to males (female OR = 0.131, p = .002), older age (OR = 1.159, p = .042), hospital practice (OR = 0.020, p = .010), and seated posture (OR = 5.821, p = .005). Lower back pain was predicted by prior injury (OR = 24.026, p = .023), whereas >5 hours non-chairside work was protective (OR = 0.032, p = .012). Longer experience reduced knee (OR = 0.003, p = .019) and ankle pain (OR = 0.001, p = .007), while 4–8 chairside hours increased knee risk (OR = 31.362, p = .002). Among DAs, wrist pain was more likely with prior injury.

Conclusion: MSDs are widespread among dental professionals, with distinct patterns between dentists and DAs. Ergonomic interventions, workload management, and preventive strategies are essential to reduce long-term occupational risks.