Musculoskeletal Disorders and Stress among Moroccan Dentists: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and aim: Dentists' treatment tasks require repetitive actions, uncomfortable postures, and intense effort, all of which can lead to health disorders. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Moroccan dentists and the factors associated with these diseases. Material and methods: To conduct a descriptive cross-sectional survey, an anonymous questionnaire on occupational health problems was distributed to a representative sample of 310 Moroccan dentists. Sample size calculation and sampling were performed using Epi info software. Data were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. The associations among the frequency of variables were evaluated by the chi-square test (P < 0.05).Results: Out of 310 questionnaires distributed, we received 286 responses, for a response rate of 95.33%. A total of 286 dentists were included in our survey. The mean age of the participants was 41.19 (±7.63) years. The results showed that 62.9% of the surveyed dentists complained of musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, 79.4% of practitioners had high stress levels. Concerning sports activity, 55.9% of the practitioners practiced a sport activity.Conclusions: For Moroccan dentists, the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain is a critical problem. Considering the scale of the problem, it is necessary to implement education in ergonomics among dentists and dental students, and to promote the holistic health of dental professionals. As musculoskeletal pain is a critical issue for Moroccan dentists, it's judicious to consider ergonomics courses at the beginning of dental education programs, then every year until graduation, and to provide professional dentists with continuous training all along their careers.