Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Students – A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aim: To use a focus group to determine dentistry students' perceptions of risk factors involved in developing musculoskeletal disorders. Study Design: This is a qualitative and observational study with a non-probability sample performed using a focus group. Methodology: Ten undergraduate students from Araraquara Dental School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Brazil participated in the study. An open discussion group was organized. In it, students were asked to respond to or discuss three questions: 1. How would you define risk factor? 2. Do you believe you are exposed to occupational risk factors while working or studying? and 3. Which work or study situations could contribute to musculoskeletal issues? To analyze the data, the discourse of the collective subject (DCS) technique was used within the Qualiquantsoft® software, in which each individual testimony was analyzed in order to obtain collective thought. Results: Fifty percent (50%) defined risk factor as something that leads to illness or injury, and 90% recognized that they were exposed to factors such as accidents with sharp objects, posture issues, stress, repetitive movements, features of instruments and equipment, a limited operating field, and a lack of training. The work or study situations that may contribute to musculoskeletal issues and which were most frequently cited by the students included treating special needs patients, courses or procedures, stress, and working posture or position. Conclusion: The students were able to perceive the risk factors that contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders during an undergraduate program. The most frequently mentioned risk factors were limited operating field, repetitive movements, manual instruments, non-ergonomic instruments, and lack of training.