Neck and upper extremity symptoms among male dentists and pharmacists

Abstract

Background: There are many studies discussed about musculoskeletal disorders in dentists, but most of them do not have a control group.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess neck and upper limb symptoms in male dentists in comparison with pharmacists.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 252 male general dentists compared with 188 male general pharmacists with Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Subjects were at least one year in clinical practice after becoming qualified. The data were analyzed using a series of univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results: Having at least one neck or upper extremity symptom in the past 12 months (OR = 3.2, P< 0.001) was reported by 76.2% of the male dentists and 50.0% of the male pharmacists In logistic regression analyses, with adjustments for occupation, age, body mass index, smoking, working years and weekly work hours, there was a significant association between dentistry and 12-month period prevalence symptoms of neck (OR = 2.136), shoulder (OR = 2.059) and elbow (OR = 4.167). Second logistic regression model in male dentists indicated that working years was negatively related to self-reported symptoms of neck, shoulder and hand.

Conclusions: Male dentists are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the neck and upper extremities more than male pharmacists.

Keywords: Dentistry; Standardized Nordic Questionnaire; musculoskeletal diseases; upper limb.