ASSESSMENT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AMONG DENTISTS IN HAZARIBAG CITY, JHARKHAND: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Work‑related musculoskeletal disorders are problems of the musculoskeletal system that significantly cost workplace problems thus affecting occupational health, productivity, and career of the working population. Dentists are prone to many work related occupational hazards. Aim: To assess the prevalence and distribution of symptoms of MSD among postgraduates, internees and faculties attached to dental college and dental practitioners in Hazaribag city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all the postgraduate students and faculties working in dental college and dental practitioners of Hazaribag city, Jharkhand. A self-administered questionnaire was used for recording demographic data and to collect information related to musculoskeletal symptoms and the location of musculoskeletal pain among dentists in Hazaribag city. The data were collected compiled and analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics was done. The findings were compared across study subjects using Chi‑square test and Spearman correlation. Results:The prevalence of MSD among males was 40.25% and females were 59.75% and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.03). The symptoms were higher in dentists practicing for more than 10 years. Lower back pain and shoulder pain were the most commonly reported complaints by dentists. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was 41.35% for dentists in the age group of 26–30 years. The frequency of musculoskeletal pain among female dentists was nearly double that of males (P = 0.009). Conclusion: This study suggests that dentists in Hazaribag do experience a certain amount of occupation‑related health problems. The study found overall high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (64%) among dentists in Hazaribag city.