Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Pain in Brazilian Dental Students

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain is commonly reported in dentists and can start from their training period and continue throughout their practice if preventive or corrective measures are not implemented. To evaluate the perception of dental students in relation to the risk factors that may contribute to the musculoskeletal pain, and verify how the existence of painful symptoms influences the perception of risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 241 dental students at public university of São Paulo, Brazil in 2016. The data were collected through interviews, using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for Musculoskeletal Symptom and the Work-Related Activities that May Contribute to Job-Related Pain Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0. Painful symptoms were observed in 199 participants (83.0%). Most students had their perception classified as minimal to moderate (86.3%). A statistically significant association (P=0.005) was found when the test of association between the perception of risk factors and the presence of painful symptoms was performed. The highest averages were found in the issues related to repetition of movement, followed by work-related factors and finally the risks to external factors. There are statistically significant differences in the average perception when comparing the group with and without pain for each question of the instrument when comparing the body areas. Undergraduate students are aware of the factors that contribute to health issues and development of musculoskeletal pain, and in particular, there is a greater perception among those who may have had any symptoms.