Amna Arif^*

Islamic International Dental College, Riphah International University, Pakistan

Munazza Qadir

Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Patika, Pakistan

Rubab Saleem

Colosseum Tannlege, Stavanger, Norway

 Ayesha Ahamed

HBS Medical and Dental College, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Pakistan

 Mehreen Afzaal

 Islamic International Dental College, Riphah International University, Pakistan

 Maria Shahwar

 Islamic International Dental College, Riphah International University, Pakistan

*Corresponding address: Islamic International Dental College, Riphah International University, Pakistan, Email: amna.arif1@riphah.edu.pk

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63137/jsteam.919528

ABSTRACT

Objective:

Occupational health issues, particularly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), are prevalent worldwide. Dental auxiliaries are prone to backache due to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements, affecting their productivity and quality of life.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of backache among dental auxiliaries in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and analyze the associated risk factors.
Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, validated questionnaire distributed among 80 dental auxiliaries in hospitals and private clinics. The variables assessed included work posture, specialty, working hours, years in practice, and absenteeism due to pain. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17, with chi-square tests applied to determine associations between back pain and independent variables.
Results:

Out of 80 distributed questionnaires, 60 (75%) were completed. Among participants, 78.3% were males and 21.7% females. The overall prevalence of back pain was 65%. Among affected participants, 58.3% reported bearable pain, 1.7% experienced severe pain, and 5% did not specify. The only factor significantly associated with back pain was specialty (endodontics/operative department, p = 0.04). Other factors, including posture, years in practice, working hours, and exercise, did not show significant associations.
Conclusion:

A high prevalence of back pain was observed among dental auxiliaries in Pakistan. Ergonomic interventions, targeted training, and workplace modifications are essential to mitigate occupational health risks.

Keywords: Backache; Dental auxiliaries; Risk factors; Musculoskeletal disorders; Occupational health

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How to Cite: Arif A et al., Prevalence and Risk Factors of Backache Among Dental Auxiliaries: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Sci Technol Educ Art Med. 2025;2(1):3-8

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