Exploring the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders indental students- A questionnaire based survey

Abstract

: Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) are a group of conditions that affect the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other supporting structures in the body. The purpose of this study is to determine the risk factors associated with MSD, to evaluate the occurrence of MSD and to ascertain if they are also aware of the measures to prevent and manage these conditions.A questionnaire based study was done including the dental students who were working in clinics, this comprising of third year, final year as well as interns of our institute via social networks. The variables taken into consideration were demographic details presence and absence of pain, average working hours per day, break between attending patients, best practices followed by subject to minimize MSD.: Among 270 dental students, 202 responses were collected, with response rate of (74.81%). The most common site affected by MSD was the lower back reported in 26.3% subjects, while other regions affected in descending order were, neck (16.8%), more than one region (15.3%) followed by Upper back (14.9%), no pain(10.8%), Shoulders (9.6%) and elbow (6.3%).Statistical analysis among the different variables showed how awareness regarding measures like stretching exercises and physical activities positively influences work performance and act as a catalyst in reducing MSD. : Occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental students is significantly high due to lack of awareness regarding maintaining proper posture, implementing regular breaks and physical exercises. MSD in dentistry can be diminished through following proper posture, taking adequate breaks between the patients and maintaining good physical health.