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A PILOT STUDY ON MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTAL CLINICIANS IN SRI
AMAN AND BETONG
NMRR-16-2170-33004

Liew IEJ, Sue WL, Chia JC, Nurshaline P

Introduction: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder
(MSD) symptoms, most commonly affected body region, and to compare the prevalence
of symptoms with age, years of practice and work capacity, among dental clinicians in
Ministry of Health of Sri Aman and Betong Divisions of Sarawak state. Materials and
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using the Standardized Nordic
Questionnaire and was administered to 37 dental nurses and 16 dentists of Ministry of
Health in Sri Aman and Betong Divisions, Sarawak. Descriptive statistical analysis was
performed. Results: A total of 53 respondents were included in the study, out of which
96.2% (n=51) reported had experienced at least one MSD symptom. The most common
sites affected by MSD were reported at the neck (81.1%), followed by the wrists/ hands
or lower back (75.5%), and shoulders (73.6%). The least affected body part reported was
the elbows (18.5%). A high prevalence of respondents with older age than younger age,
experienced MSD symptoms for most body regions except at the neck. Those who
practiced more than 5 years reported with more MSD symptoms than those with shorter
years of practice. The prevalence of MSD among dental nurse was higher than dentists.
Conclusion: A high prevalence of MSD symptoms exists among the participating
government sector dental clinicians in Sri Aman and Betong Divisions of Sarawak state,
particularly of the neck, wrists/hands, lower back, and shoulders. The prevalence of MSD
symptoms increased with age and years of practice for most of the affected body regions.
Dental nurses reported more MSD symptoms than dentists.

Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, dentist, dental nurse

Published in Malaysian Dental Journal, 2019; (2):1-14
Dr Iris Liew Ee Jiun Dr Chia Jit Chie
Tanah Puteh Dental Clinic Oral Health Programme
Sarawak State Health Department Ministry of Health Malaysia
Ministry of Health Malaysia

Dr Sue Wye Luun Dr Nurshaline Pauline Haji Kipli
Dental Specialist Clinic Dental Specialist Clinic
Sarawak General Hospital Sarawak General Hospital
Sarawak State Health Department Sarawak State Health Department
Ministry of Health Malaysia Ministry of Health Malaysia

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