Resumo

GOVENDER, T  e  TP, Dlungwane. Prevalence of, and factors associated with, musculoskeletal pain among oral health workers in public health facilities in Kwazulu-Natal, 2016. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2018, vol.73, n.3, pp.137-140. ISSN 0375-1562.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a public health concern that affects millions of people in developed and developing countries. The consequences of MSP include a wide range of negative effects such as absenteeism, increased work restriction and reduced productivity. AIM: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal pain among oral health workers in public health facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study with an analytical component was implemented. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized to determine the risk factors among dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, oral hygienists, and dental assistants employed in the public sector in KwaZulu-Natal. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of current MSP among oral health workers (OHW) was 50.9% and the chronic prevalence of MSP reported for the previous 12 months was 60.6%. A higher prevalence of current (47.2%) and chronic (46.9%) MSP was reported among dentists when compared with dental specialists, dental therapists, oral hygienists, and dental assistants. Occupational, environmental, and psychological factors were strongly associated with MSP. CONCLUSION: MSP is an occupational hazard for OHW. There is a need for educational programs and adoption of strategies to reduce occupational injuries.

Palavras-chave : Musculoskeletal pain; prevalence; work-related; oral health workers; risk factors; dentist; dental therapist; oral hygienist.

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