Musculoskeletal Challenges among Malaysian Primary Oral Healthcare Personnel
Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a critical occupational health issue, particularly among dental professionals, where repetitive tasks, prolonged postures, ergonomic challenges, and psychosocial stressors contribute to their high prevalence. Existing literature highlights musculoskeletal issues, but gaps remain in understanding their prevalence and causes among primary oral healthcare personnel in Malaysia.
Materials and methods: A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit a representative sample of 330 respondents from Malaysian primary oral healthcare personnel in various job roles within government dentistry facilities. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires (NMQ) were distributed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal issues among the participants.
Results: Of the participants, 53.4% of females and 46.6% of males reported experiencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WR-MSD). The neck was the most affected region, with a prevalence of 65.5%. Musculoskeletal disorders were more prevalent among individuals with longer years of service, with dental officers being the most affected type of designation.
Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Malaysian primary oral healthcare personnel, emphasising the need for targeted ergonomic interventions and workplace practice improvements to enhance occupational health and well-being.
Abstract | Reference
