Prevalence and Exploratory Correlates of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Dentists in Western Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Safa Koushada; Thurai Athwair; Khawla Krayem; Eiman Elhanesh; Ayiman Abdulqadir; Essra Kharbash; Nada Hweissa; Anas Almorabit; Moaied Taboun; Mohamed Kariem

doi:10.54361/ajmas.269755

Authors

Safa Koushada Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9080-1816
Thurai Athwair Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0942-4954
Khawla Krayem Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6237-1261
Eiman Elhanesh Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6886-2349
Ayiman Abdulqadir Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2929-3794
Essra Kharbash Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4309-8683
Nada Hweissa Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7395-0221
Anas Almorabit Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3739-7625
Moaied Taboun Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0099-3319
Mohamed Kariem Department of Physiotherapy and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Zawia, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9369-3990

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54361/ajmas.269755

Keywords:

Dentists, Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Occupational Health, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Libya

Abstract

Dentistry involves prolonged static postures, repetitive hand movements, and constrained working positions that may contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms. Evidence from Libya remains limited. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 96 dentists working in public and private clinics in Western Libya. Participants completed a demographic and occupational questionnaire and the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Twelve-month prevalence was summarized with 95% confidence intervals. Associations between symptoms in nine anatomical regions and seven demographic or occupational factors were explored using Fisher’s exact tests or chi-square tests with Monte Carlo p-values, as appropriate. Odds ratios or Cramér’s V were reported, and the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure was applied across 63 comparisons. Results: The most frequently reported 12-month symptoms involved the neck (76.0%; 95% CI, 66.6%–83.5%), lower back (62.5%; 95% CI, 52.5%–71.5%), and shoulders (52.1%; 95% CI, 42.2%–61.8%). Among participants reporting symptoms in these regions, 56.0%–58.3% reported limitation of normal activities or work. Several unadjusted, site-specific associations were observed for gender, age, working days, daily working hours, and predominant working position; however, none remained statistically significant after false-discovery-rate correction. Daily patient caseload was not associated with symptoms in any anatomical region. Musculoskeletal symptoms were common and frequently activity-limiting among dentists in Western Libya. The prevalence findings are robustly descriptive, whereas the subgroup associations should be considered exploratory and require confirmation in larger studies with prespecified multivariable analyses and objective ergonomic assessment.