Ergonomic Risk Screening of Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Dental Students Using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire: An Institutional-based Case Study

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Main Author: Wahab H.A.; Ariff T.F.T.M.; Venkiteswaran A.; Ahmad R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Putra Malaysia Press 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85210943328&doi=10.47836%2fmjmhs20.6.23&partnerID=40&md5=efe1ca99bb224bf3b71eb7b22785c687

Introduction: Early onset of musculoskeletal (MS) disease in dental students are among the latest findings which escalate concerns in the dental profession. Various reasons were related to these findings and early risk screening is crucial to interfere with the causative factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disease (WRMD) in dental students using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) as part of initial ergonomic risk screening. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the final year dental students through convenience sampling. Data was gathered using CMDQ questionnaire which also includes sociodemographic and working profile of the respondents. Descriptive data were tabulated. Results: Out of 61 dental students, 95% were females with the mean age of 24.22 ± 0.69 years. The lower back body region scored the highest total FDI followed by the neck. The lower back and right wrist also attained maximum individual MS discomfort score. The most severe discomfort was reported at the neck (21%). It was observed that 70% of the respondents experienced moderate to severe discomfort at their neck region followed by right shoulder (52%). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, it showed that the dental students' body parts were affected by WRMD especially on the lower back and neck. Severe discomfort was affecting the neck and shoulders. Maximum individual MS score findings for the lower back and right wrist support the need of an initial ergonomic risk assessment conduct for the individuals. © 2024 Universiti Putra Malaysia Press. All rights reserved.