Profession-related musculoskeletal disorders among Egyptian physicians and dentists

To assess prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and possible work-related risk factors among physicians compared to dentists.

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional comparative study among 131 physicians and 66 dentists in three hospitals in Beni Suef city. Data gathered from the questionnaires included: socio-demographic data, occupational risk factors, and musculoskeletal symptoms, following the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ).

Age ranged from 30 to 55 years, with a mean age of 35.2 ± 5 years among physicians. Smoking was significantly more frequent among physicians than dentists (22.9% vs 10.6% respectively). The mean for hours of physical exercise per week was 1.28 ± 2.46 for dentists compared to 1.16 ± 2.24 for physicians. Regular physical activity was performed by 22.9% of physicians and 22.7% of dentists. Most of the dentists (97%) reported prolonged standing,compared to 76.3% of physicians (P < 0.0001); similarly, prolonged sitting was significantly higher among dentists (77.3%) compared to physicians (60.3%) (P = 0.01). Twisting movements were higher among dentists (90.9%) than physicians (68.7%) (P = 0.001). Only 4.5% of dentists had enough rest time, compared to 22.1% of physicians (P = 0.002).

MSDs were significantly higher among dentists (90.9%) than physicians (74%). Low-back pain (74.2%), upper-back pain (62.1%), ankle pain (37.9%), shoulder pain (33.3%), and wrist pain (30.3%) were significantly higher among dentists.

MSDs were more prevalent among dentists. Prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, posture twisting, and lack of enough rest time were major work-related risk factors for MSDs. Musculoskeletal health awareness and improving physicians’ and dentists’ knowledge towards musculoskeletal disorders should be encouraged.