Association between environmental discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders in dental surgeons

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), especially in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions, have been frequently associated with ergonomic risks in dental surgeons (DSs). Objective: To evaluate the association between environmental discomfort and complaints of MSD in DSs. Methodology: Analytical, cross-sectional observational study with a sample of 125 DSs in the state of Maranhão, with a minimum of 1 year of experience in public or private service, with a minimum working day of 4 hours/day. A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic data and work characteristics. Regarding pain, location, intensity, and level of disability, the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain Questionnaire (SEFIP) for Brazilian workers was used. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, considering the significance level of (p<0.05%). Results: The most affected regions were cervical (64.29%), thoracic (61.12%) and lumbar (61.12%). The shoulder region was the only disabling area (0.79%). MSD, mainly cervical and knee, were associated with working time, salary, lighting, noise, specialty, and low quality of the dental equipment used (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is an association between environmental discomfort and MSD in DSs.