Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian dentists: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Dentistry is a high risk profession according to musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of these disorders in Iranian dentists using systematic review and meta-analysis.

National databases including; Magiran, IranMedex, Irandoc and international databases including; PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, ProQuest, web search engine Google scholar and the Eastern Mediterranean region base (IMEMR) with using keywords prevalence, musculoskeletal, dentists, and medical subject headings (Mesh), were searched. To assess the quality of cross-sectional studies, the JBI checklist (The Joanna Briggs Institute) was used. Considerably, heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochran Q and I2 tests. Data analyzed using the random effects model.

A total of 12 studies with sample size n=1742 entered to the research. The point prevalence (during occupational), period prevalence (during one year) and prevalence during the seven-day of musculoskeletal disorders was estimated 73.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 64.1-82.7), 77.3% (95% CI: 66.7-87.9) and 33.6% (95% CI: 6.5-60.8) respectively. The highest point prevalence 50% (95% CI: 43.8-56.3), period prevalence 63% (95% CI: 58.4-67.6) and during the seven- day prevalence 46.3% (95% CI: 7-85.6) of disorders was estimated in neck region.

The results show high prevalence of disorders in dentists, especially in the neck area. In order to reduce musculoskeletal disorders, resulting in the improvement of the level and quality of dentists' services, comprehensive plans should be designed and implemented at the national level.