Ergonomic risks and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental surgeons in Nigeria: A descriptive survey

Aim: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dentists in Nigeria, where it is underreported, and to correlate these MSDs with occupational and stress-related ergonomic challenges. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected dentists in Nigeria. A modification of the validated Nordic questionnaire was utilized to determine the prevalence of MSDs. Paired t-tests and analysis of variance tests were used to determine statistical differences between numerical variables. The logistic regression analysis was used to confirm significant effect of predictor variables on work-related MSDs (WMSDs). Difference at the 5% level was accepted as significant. Results: Most of the participants were males (58.8%), aged between 26 and 30 years (37.2%), had 40 years [Exp β: 1.003; confidence interval (CI): 0.848-1.187; P = 0.020], body mass index: obese (Exp β: 1.079; CI: 0.733-1.589; P = 0.027), average time spent on each patient: >50 min (Exp β: 0.903; CI: 0.313-2.609; P = 0.049), having dental nurses in the clinic: >10 (Exp β: 0.959; CI: 0.410-2.243; P = 0.000), and a high level of environmental stress (Exp β: 1.092; CI: 0.862-1.384; P = 0.029) were significantly associated with MSDs. Conclusion: Our study showed that dentists who were older than 40 years, those who were obese, those who spent an average of 50 min on each patient, and those who had few dental nurses in the clinic and had a high level of environmental stress had a significantly higher prevalence of MSDs. Modifiable chairs, correct sitting postures by the dental surgeon and the patient, adequate lighting, use of indirect vision, use of magnification loupes, and sufficient rest and breaks at work could help to ameliorate these conditions.