Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pains and Disability among Dentists in Zahedan

Introduction: dentists are vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of the neck and upper extremities. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pains and disability among dentists in Zahedan. The results of this study can be used to take effective preventive measures to improve the quality of life of dentists. Materials and Methods: this descriptive-analytical study, which has been conducted at the time of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.102 dentists participated in the study. An online questionnaire was sent to them through cyberspace. The questionnaire contains demographic information of the dentists (age, gender, work experience, daily working hours, and academic rank) and items associated with pain in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and forearms. The intensity of pain was measured by the VAS scale. Besides, some items were also asked at the end to measure the disability of the back and neck. Comparing the qualitative data was done using Chi-Square, and quantitative data comparison was done using independent t-test and ANOVA. Results: 96.1% of dentists reported chronic pain at least in one organ. Neck pain at 77.5% and backache at 72.5% were the most prevalent pains, and forearm pain at 12.7% had the least prevalence. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was not significantly different in terms of gender, age, work experience, daily working hours, and academic rank (p>0.02). The disability in the neck was equal to 15.545% and was equal to 12.81% in the back. Conclusion:the majority of dentists reported pain and disease in different areas, especially the neck, back, shoulders, and wrists. It would be better for the dentists to perform stretching exercises regularly, and to be focused on the empowerment of upper-body muscles.