ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PHYSICAL WORK LOAD, PSYCHOSOCIAL WORK FACTORS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG A SAMPLE OF DENTISTS IN NIGERIA

AKINFELEYE, A.M¹_, OGUNNOWO B.E²

Department of Physiotherapy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos¹.

Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos².

Background: Systematic reviews of epidemiological studies on work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have thrown up evidence pointing to physical work load and psychosocial work factors as strong risk factors for the developments of these disorders. Dentists are prone to WRMSDs; however studies exploring association of these risk factors and WMSDs in the occupational group are scarce.

Objective: To explore the associations between perceived physical workload, psychosocial work factors and reported WMSDs among a sample of Dentist in Lagos, Nigeria.

Method: A cross sectional survey using a self administered questionnaire was carried out among 206 dentists (response rate 81.5%) in Lagos, Nigeria. Contents of the questionnaire captured information on personal characteristics, physical and psychosocial work land and reported occurrence of WMSDs in the previous 12 months.

Results: The 12 months prevalence of WMSDs among the respondents was 83%, with low back pain being the most reported symptoms (51%).Female dentists reported higher perceived workload and psychosocial work demands (OR= 2.16, 1.84 respectively).High perceived workload was associated with age less than 40years among the respondent(OR=I.92). High perceived workload and psychosocial risk factors were associated with the reports of WMSDs of the neck and low back among the respondents.

Conclusions: Ergonomic measures in preventing WMSDS among this occupational group should take into consideration not only physical risk factors but also psychosocial risk factors.