Volume 36, Issue 4 (IJIEPR- Special Issue 2025)                   IJIEPR 2025, 36(4): 47-54 | Back to browse issues page

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Che Awang N A S, Hamzah N A, Abdul Samad N I. Prevalence and Ergonomic Awareness of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Malaysian Dental Students. IJIEPR 2025; 36 (4) :47-54
URL: http://ijiepr.iust.ac.ir/article-1-2366-en.html
Prevalence and Ergonomic Awareness of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Malaysian Dental Students
Nurul Ain Sofia Che Awang1 , Nurul Ainun Hamzah2 , Nurul Izzah Abdul Samad3
1- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
2- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
3- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. , izzahsamad@usm.my
Abstract:   (1042 Views)
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose a significant occupational health challenge in dentistry, potentially affecting the health of future dental professionals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MSDs among dental students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and to explore the relationships between MSD occurrence, demographic factors (academic year, gender, and physical activity levels), and ergonomic awareness. Fifty-five dental students participated in the study, responding to validated electronic questionnaires. The results showed a high prevalence of MSDs, especially over 12 months (41.8%) vs. 7 days (14.5%). Most affected areas were the lower back (74.5%), neck (70.9%), shoulders (60.0%), and upper back (54.5%). Female students showed higher prevalence in some regions (p = 0.032), with Year 5 students reporting the highest prevalence (p = 0.046). Ergonomic awareness was high, with 52.7% rating it as good and 47.3% as excellent. These findings highlight the need to integrate thorough ergonomic education and preventive measures into dental curricula, aiming to promote musculoskeletal health and reduce occupational risks for dental students, thereby supporting long-term occupational well-being in their future careers. 
Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Dental Ergonomics, Dental Students, Occupational Health, Prevalence, Awareness
Full-Text [PDF 422 kb]   (272 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Human Factors Engineering/Ergonomics
Received: 2025/03/29 | Accepted: 2025/08/25 | Published: 2025/12/9
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