RISK FACTORS RELATED TO NECK PAIN AND DISABILITY AMONG PALESTINIAN DENTISTS IN THE WEST BANK
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Date
2022-08-13
Authors
Manwa Ahmad Juma Ayed
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Abstract
Introduction: Neck pain and disability, one of the most widespread signs of musculoskeletal problems, it is the second largely frequent conditions associated with spine disorders. It affects people of all ages after back pain. Occupations involving frequently repetitive aspects of movement, such as high physical workloads combined with psychosocial stress, are widely associated with musculoskeletal disorders that occur as a result of specific work-tasks and uncomfortable postures that professionals’ practice.
The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for neck pain and disability among dentists in the West Bank, Palestine. Also, the study sought to assess the link between demographic factors and work condition and neck disability among dentists in the West Bank.
Method: The researcher conducted a cross-sectional study c between October 1, 2021 and May 1, 2022. A structured neck disability index 10-item questionnaire was administered to 350 dentists, selected randomly, from Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus districts. The questionnaire was completed face-to-face, and a total of 340 (97.1%) dentists completed it.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.6±6.1 years. The prevalence of neck disability index was high (75.3%) among dentists. Seventy (20.6%) of dentists reported having severe neck disability. Factors that were significantly associated with neck disability included age, gender, years of work, number of working hours per day, BMI, exercise at work, number of patients treated daily, and working position (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of neck disability among dentists in Palestine. The functional disability was mild, with a considerable percentage of dentists suffering from a severe disability. The study recommends implementation/ organization of specific occupational health education programs that cover refining of work organization, psychosocial coping skills, and ergonomic workplace adaptation, in order to prevent severe risks for health in this occupation.
Keywords: Prevalence; neck disability; dentists; risk factors; Palestine.