[Musculo-skeletal problems among Lebanese dental surgeons. Occurrence and risk factors].

OBJECTIVES: Search of factors influencing the occurrence of musculoskelettal problems (MSP) among Lebanese dental surgeons. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study, performed in September 2001. A 29 item-questionnaire exploring demographic and personal data, professional activity, the occurrence of musculoskelettal problems during the last month (MSPLM), and the twelve last months (MSPTLM) among Lebanese dental surgeons. RESULTS: 300 questionnaires--170 answers. Descriptive analysis--Age: 37 +/- 9 years; 141 men (83%); 96 general practitioners (56.5%); 93 (56%) practice sports ; stress: 94%; length of service: 12 +/- 8 years; duration: 7 +/- 1.75 hours per day and 5 +/- 0.75 days per week; breaks: 85 +/- 55 minutes per day; MSPLM: 66% ; pains: lumbar spine 85.5%, cervical spine 59%, shoulders and arms 62%, hands 10%, lower limbs 25%. Pins and needles: 32%; MSPTLM: 52.4%. Univariate analysis--Strong correlation for MSPLM occurrence with sports (p = 0.007), breaks duration (p = 0.005), occurrence of MSPTLM and current practice (general practitioners) p = 0.016. Multivariate analysis--Weight gain (p = 0.0119) x 6, history of MSPTLM (p = 0.000) x 21 and pins and needles (p = 0.0339) x 4,5 are the potential risk factors of MSPLM occurrence. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MSP is high in our series. The preventive and curative care is insufficient, thus information and prevention are necessary.