ABSTRACT
The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in dentists is high although relatively few studies have been conducted in this profession. This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms [MSDs] and to assess the risk of these symptoms among general dentists in Shiraz, Iran. In this descriptive cross-sectional study the Nordic standard questionnaire and questionnaire pertaining to questions about personal and job characteristics were administered to160 general dentists. Furthermore, the pictures of dentists were taken by camera during dental treatment and the most repetitive postures were selected and assessed by Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA] method. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0 software. A large number of dentists [139 subjects] reported MSDs symptoms in at least one region of their musculoskeletal systems during the past 12 months. The most prevalent MSDs symptoms were neck [105 subjects], shoulders [80 subjects], upper back [76 subjects], wrist/hand [63 subjects], and lower back [55 subjects], respectively. A significant difference was observed between men and women only in the wrist/hand [P>0.05]. The results of posture analysis showed that all dentists' postures fell into corrective second and third action levels. The results of this study revealed that the prevalence of MSDs symptoms in dentists was high and MSDs risk levels were intermediate to high. Therefore, it is recommended that in an appropriate training program be contemplated to improve dentists' awareness regarding MSDs symptoms
ABSTRACT
Regarding high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] among bakery workers and due to lack of information concerning posture analyzing, this study was carried out to identify working postures precisely in order to revise their work stations. In this cross-sectional study 334 Araki bakery workers were randomly selected .The data was collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire [NMQ] through interview and Ovako Working-posture. Analysis System[OWAS] by video tapes. Based on OWAS postural analyzing. The averages of age and job experiences were 33 +/- 10.4 yr and 13.9 +/- 10 yr respectively. Most musculoskeletal disorders were in the knees [62.2%], low back [58.5%] and legs [53.9%] respectively. This research revealed that 42.2% of Araki bakery workers postures were in slightly up to very harmful postures. High prevalence of MSDs in different body regions caused 33.7% of workers to leave the work stations. Meanwhile awkward postures occurred in bent back [5.1%], twisted back [4.3%], bent and twisted back [2.8%] bent of knees [8.8%] and arms upper the shoulder [22.2%]. The most awkward postures observed in job group of Shatters and there was a significant relation between neck, elbow, shoulder, knee disorders and work experiences [p<0/05]. With regard to the results of this study, due to a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and harmful postures [bending, rotation and combined postures with time prolonged percentage] in bakery workers, revision of work operation and use of appropriate equipments in these jobs seems imperative. Therefore, an ergonomic intervention in order to correct poor postures is suggested