Knowledge, Opinions and Practice of Ergonomic Principles among Dental House Officers and Dental Resident Doctors at a South-western Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Abstract
Background: Dental practice involves high risks for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to sustained static postures and repetitive movements. Neglecting ergonomics leads to chronic pain, reduced dexterity, and premature career termination. This study evaluated the knowledge, opinions, and practice (KOP) of ergonomic principles among dental house officers and dental resident doctors (DRDs) at University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study utilized a total enumerative sampling technique. Data on socio-demographics and KOP levels were collected via a structured, pre-tested online questionnaire and analysed using SPSS Version 27.0.
Results: Out of the 58 respondents (65.5% male), 71% understood basic ergonomics. However, significant gaps existed regarding dental room design (58.6% unaware) and stretching exercises (75.9% unaware). Despite high theoretical knowledge, 74.1% used backrests only intermittently and 72.4% never utilized magnification. A statistically significant difference was identified regarding opinions toward ergonomic principles, with house officers demonstrating a significantly more positive attitude toward their application compared to DRDs (median = 17.00 and 18.00 respectively, U = 80.50, p = 0.040).
Conclusion: A substantial gap exists between ergonomic awareness and clinical application. Findings suggest a decline in positive attitudes toward ergonomics as trainees progress, likely due to clinical fatigue and procedural pressures.
Keywords: Dental ergonomics, Dental Education, Musculoskeletal disorders, Dental trainees.
