Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Neck, back, and shoulder pains and ergonomic factors among dental students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Raha Habib Aghahi 1
. Rezvan Darabi 2
. Maryam Alsadat Hashemipour 3

1 Kerman Dental and Oral Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences,

2 Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Kerman, Kerman University of Medical Sciences

3 Kerman Dental and Oral Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Departments of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Kerman, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman Social Determinants on Oral Health Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dynamic and static activities in dentistry cause musculoskeletal disorders, but
dental students do not have sufficient awareness about the effects of ergonomic factors on their
health. The aim of this study was to investigate ergonomic factors that cause pain muscle in dental
students in Kerman Medical University, Iran.
METHODS: This cross‑sectional analysis study was carried out on dental students of the 3rd, 4th, 5th,
and 6th year, in clinical practice in the School of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences.
A convenient sample of 199 students who met the inclusion criteria was selected and those willing
to participate signed an informed consent form. Data were collected by means of a structured
questionnaire for ergonomic factors and the presence of pain. The variables evaluated were pain,
affected zones, gender, postures, and work environment.
RESULTS: The present research work reveals that over 69% of the dental students complained
of pain in at least one part of their body. Most individuals suffered from hand and elbow (23%) and
head (19%) pain. The clinical areas where more pain was found were endodontics and pedodontics.
Furthermore, it was found that a high percentage of students usually worked with their legs slightly
separated, with the sole of the feet resting on the stool when working. The presence of muscular
pain was higher in males in this study. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant relationship
with the final Rapid Entire Body Assessment score in different body parts and the participants’
demographic data (sex, age, weight, height, sports, and smoking).
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the students’ sitting positions and working
environments need to be improved and it seems more training is necessary in this field.

Keywords

Back
dental student
ergonomic factors
neck
pains
shoulders 
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 8, Issue 3
March 2018
Pages 1-6

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