Use of Ergonomics to Control Musculoskeletal Pain among Dental Students at King Abdulaziz University: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MS-Pain) increases day by
day and is common among dental practitioners. The aim of this study
was to assess the relationship between ergonomics use and other
related factors in controlling musculoskeletal pain among dental
students and interns at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz
University through a validated self-administered questionnaire. It
was distributed among dental students from the fourth academic
year up to postgraduate level. The total number of respondents was
402, in which 202 (50.2%) were females and 200 (49.8%) were males.
Out of the total respondents, 337 (83.8%) reported musculoskeletal
pain and approximately 68% of respondents did not apply proper
ergonomics for preventing and reducing MS-Pain. Keeping a straight
back and maintaining physical activity are the two main factors that
are suggested to help in controlling MS-pain, and thus it needs to be
emphasized in the everyday clinical educational years