Abstract
BackgroundExposure to high ergonomic risk resulted in an increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professional. However, little is known about the high exposure risk impact on work ability among dental professionals.ObjectiveWe conducted a cross‐sectional study to examine the association between ergonomic risk exposure and work ability among young dental professionals in their early careers.MethodsA total of 230 dental professionals including dentists, dental assistants, and nurses were clustered sampled from three hospitals in Guangzhou, south of China. We used the Quick Ergonomic Check (QEC) to assess participants' ergonomic risk exposure and Work Ability Index (WAI) to evaluate their work ability. Demographics and other factors related with WAI were also included in the data collection. Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the association between ergonomic exposure scores and WAI.ResultsA total of 218 participants (94.8%) had valid data and consent forms. The participants' average WAI was 39.6, of which the poor and moderate WAI composed 31%. High and very high ergonomic risk exposure level was 45.9% for the neck and 21.1% for the wrist/hand. In general, WAI decreased with higher ergonomic exposure level. With adjustment of other potential risk factors, the ergonomic scores for wrist/hand and total scores for the whole body were significantly associated with the decreased WAI.ConclusionHigh ergonomic risk exposure might risk in reducing work ability among young dental professionals. Intervention measures toward ergonomic risk should be taken to prevent WAI from decreasing in their early careers.
Highlights
A number of previous studies worldwide including China have reported a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental professionals because of exposure to heavy ergonomic loading, such as awkward position, over flexed neck, rotated wrists and extended static posture.[1-4]
Average Work Ability Index (WAI) was 39.6 for the participants, and poor/ moderate WAI accounted for 31.2% and good/excellent for 68.8%
We examined the association between ergonomic risk exposure and work ability among young dental professionals in China
Summary
Occupational health in dentistry has been drawing more attention in current research. A number of previous studies worldwide including China have reported a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental professionals because of exposure to heavy ergonomic loading, such as awkward position, over flexed neck, rotated wrists and extended static posture.[1-4]. Exposure to high ergonomic risk resulted in an increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professional. Little is known about the high exposure risk impact on work ability among dental professionals. Objective: We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the association between ergonomic risk exposure and work ability among young dental professionals in their early careers. With adjustment of other potential risk factors, the ergonomic scores for wrist/hand and total scores for the whole body were significantly associated with the decreased WAI. Conclusion: High ergonomic risk exposure might risk in reducing work ability among young dental professionals. Intervention measures toward ergonomic risk should be taken to prevent WAI from decreasing in their early careers
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