Prevalence of Musculoskeletal and Metabolic Disorders in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders could be associated with metabolic disorders that are common after kidney transplantation, which could reduce the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of both musculoskeletal and metabolic disorders in kidney transplant patients. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from their inception up to June 2023. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects method was used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: 21,879 kidney transplant recipients from 38 studies were analysed. The overall proportion of kidney transplant patients with musculoskeletal disorders was 27.2% (95% CI: 18.4-36.0), with low muscle strength (64.5%; 95% CI: 43.1-81.3) being the most common disorder. Otherwise, the overall proportion of kidney transplant patients with metabolic disorders was 37.6% (95% CI: 21.9-53.2), with hypovitaminosis D (81.8%; 95% CI: 67.2-90.8) being the most prevalent disorder. Conclusion: The most common musculoskeletal disorders were low muscle strength, femoral osteopenia, and low muscle mass. Hypovitaminosis D, hyperparathyroidism, and hyperuricemia were also the most common metabolic disorders. These disorders could be associated with poorer quality of life in kidney transplant recipients. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier [CRD42023449171].

Musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life for Chilean teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the academic year-end.

Introduction: Schoolteachers have reported multiple demands contributing to poor perceptions regarding their quality of life and high rates of musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are few studies about the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life from the end of the academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: Evaluate musculoskeletal disorders rates and their association with quality of life perceptions among teachers from the last academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and methods: A total sample of 161 Chilean schoolteachers was included in a cross-sectional study musculoskeletal disorders prevalence was evaluated using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and quality of life was evaluated through the Short-Form 12 Health Survey Instrument. A logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life perceptions adjusted by gender, age, and contract type. Results: 98% of teachers have suffered from some type of musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months, and 64% have had six or more painful regions. Women showed a higher musculoskeletal disorders rate than men. The group of teachers with the most musculoskeletal disorders (≥p50) saw significantly greater risk of low scores on the physical (OR: 2.16; p < 0.05) and mental components (OR: 4.86; p < 0.01) of quality of life, regardless of gender, age, and contract type. Conclusion: High musculoskeletal disorders rates suggest that preventive and informative actions must be taken regarding these disorders in order to protect teachers' mental and physical health, considering the effects of the school year and the COVID-19 health crisis.

Musculoskeletal complaints and its economic impact in an Iranian army hospital.

AIM: Musculoskeletal conditions constitute a remarkable portion of disability cases in the military. This study evaluated the distribution and types of musculoskeletal problems and estimated the direct and indirect costs due to these complaints in an Iranian military hospital. METHODS: All medical records of patients with musculoskeletal complaints that were referred to the medical committee of a military hospital, including rheumatology, orthopedics, and neuro-surgical specialists, from 2014 to 2016, were reviewed. Details of each complaint and the final opinion of the medical committees were recorded. The cost of each diagnostic step was calculated based on the recorded data. The treatment costs were estimated for each complaint by calculating the average cost of treatment plans suggested by two specialists, a physical medicine and a rheumatologist. The estimated cost for each part is calculated based on the army insurance low. Indirect costs due to absences, inability to work, and disability were assessed and added to the above-mentioned direct costs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: 2,116 medical records of the committee were reviewed. 1252 (59.16%) cases were soldiers (who had to spend two years of mandatory duty in the army), and 864 (40.83%) cases were non-soldiers. The three most common complaints were fractures (301 cases, 14.22%), low back pain due to lumbar disc bulges and herniations (303 cases, 14.31%), and genu varus/genu valgus (257 cases, 12.14%). The most affected sites were the lower limbs and vertebral column. According to an official document in these subjects' records, 4120 person-days absent from work were estimated annually, and nearly $1,172,149 of annual economic impact was calculated. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal problems are common in the army, and establishing preventive strategies for these conditions is essential. The conservative and medical approach and the proper education for correct movement and the situation should be mentioned for the reduction of disability and its economic burden on the army's staff.

Occupational elbow musculoskeletal disorders in Tunisia: Epidemiology and socio-professional consequences.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are as the primary occupational disease (OD) in Tunisia. They can touch the elbow and cause occupational disability. AIMS: Describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of elbow MSDs recognized in Tunisia, identify the factors associated with these MSDs and assess their socio-professional impact. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study of elbow MSDs recognized as compensable OD by the Committees for the Recognition of Occupational Diseases of National Health Insurance Fund, in Tunisia, from 2012 to 2018. RESULTS: We collected 431 cases of elbow MSDs or 8.35% of all recognized MSDs and 11.8% of recognized MSDs during the same period. The average annual incidence was 4.3 cases. Patients had a mean age of 43.59 years and a clear female predominance (82.2%). The largest provider was the textile industry (60.6%). The average length of employment was 16.78 years. Biomechanical factors were repetitive movements (92.8%), forced movements (67.1%) and prolonged static posture (7.4%). These were lateral epicondylitis (79.1%), medial epicondylitis (14.2%) and ulnar nerve syndrome (10.7%). These pathologies were associated with other MSDs including carpal tunnel syndrome (25.8%). These MSDs were responsible for 15,342 days of lost work. The rate of permanent partial incapacity was 10.6% with a job loss in 15.63%. CONCLUSION: Elbow MSDs are responsible for heavy economic and socio-professional consequences justifying the implementation of a preventive strategy adapted within risk sectors.

Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper and lower limb: Prevalence among patients in Eastern province, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of upper and lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders among adult patients referred to physical therapy. METHODS: Data were retrospectively analyzed from electronic health records of patients referred to physical therapy between April 2021 and April 2023. MSK disorders were categorized based on the affected body region (upper or lower limb). RESULTS: A total of 11,243 patients were referred to physical therapy, of whom 4,156 (37%) had MSK disorders. The 4 most commonly affected regions were the knee (27.7%), followed by the shoulder (26.9%), the ankle/foot (14.9%), and the wrist/hand (11.8%). Within each region, the most prevalent disorders were as follows: knee (arthritis [26.5%], sprain/strain [20.1%], pain [10.1%]); shoulder (pain [20.2%], rotator cuff-related syndrome [18.5%], adhesive capsulitis [8.5%]); ankle/foot (sprain/strain [23.3%], fracture [14.3%], pain [8.9%]); and wrist/hand (fracture [24.1%], pain [8.9%], sprain/strain [7.6%]). Cramer's V analysis revealed a strong association between age and the region of MSK disorders (Cramer's V=0.234, p<0.001) and between patient sex and the region of MSK disorders (Cramer's V=0.189, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the prevalence of upper and lower limb MSK disorders among adult patients referred to physical therapy. Further research involving larger, representative samples is warranted to fully understand the prevalence and risk factors of MSK disorders in Saudi Arabia.

Physical activity, musculoskeletal disorders, burnout, and work engagement: a cross-sectional study on Italian white-collar employees.

Introduction: Both mental and physical health of office workers had a positive relationship with their work engagement, with the latter relationship being driven by the association of a healthy diet and physical activity (PA). This observational study aimed to investigate the associations between PA levels, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), burnout, and work engagement, in a sample of white-collar employees. Methods: A total of 615 workers (age 42.2 ± 9.5 years) successfully completed an online questionnaire comprising work-related information and standardized questionnaires on PA, MSDs, burnout and work engagement. Results: 36.9% of the participants did not meet the PA guidelines, 19.0% adhered to them, and 44.1% exceeded them. A significant portion of participants reported suffering from MSDs, primarily neck/shoulder and/or low back/hip pain. Those exceeding PA guidelines had fewer MSDs compared to non-compliant participants and exhibited better mental health and work engagement. Compliance with PA guidelines was associated with a 38% reduced risk of emotional exhaustion, with an even greater reduction of 47% among those surpassing the guidelines. Discussion: PA could exert a positive effect on physical and mental health of employees, but only if performed above a certain amount. The study supports the need to identify workplaces as suitable for health-focused interventions and lifestyle changes.

Assessment and evaluation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nuclear medicine professionals in India: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a severe occupational health issue among medical radiation practitioners. It is mostly linked to personal protective wear, working posture, tools employed and ergonomics. OBJECTIVE: To assess and evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders among nuclear medicine professionals (NMP) in India. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to 455 NMP throughout India between November 2021 and March 2022 covering the demographic characteristics and questions for evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Participants with any pre-existing musculoskeletal disorder or trauma were excluded. Descriptive statistics summarized the data from the demographics, discomfort, aches and work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between the obtained values. RESULTS: 91 out of 124 respondents were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results shows that there is a significant association between the height of the individual and neck pain, body mass index and elbows pain, age and low back pain, experience in the current work and upper back pain, the weight of the individual and knee pain, use of mobile lead screens and shoulder pain, use of gonad shield, trouble in the ankles and use of lead screens, and QC phantoms for gamma camera / PET and wrists/hands pain. CONCLUSION: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among NMP are resulting from factors of individual demographic variables (such as age, height, weight, body mass index), years of experience at the current workplace and of using instruments in their work area.

Study of musculoskeletal disorders risk factors and discomfort in sculptors in the north of Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The sculpting craft must adopt awkward postures that lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort (MD) and its associations with postural risk factors, demographics, and work characteristics among sculptors. They were determined the differences between MDs during the weeks of the study. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted; MD was investigated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Posture was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method (RULA). Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) models analyzed associations with different factors. ANOVA was used to test for differences in MD prevalence. RESULTS: The analysis included 585 responses by body region. The prevalence of MD was high in the lower and upper limbs among sculptors (67.6%), with the lower back, upper arm, neck, and knees being the four most affected regions. Gender (female) (OR = 2.15), marital status (married) (OR = 1.80), health risk (obesity), the dual of a secondary job (OR = 1.94), job stress (OR = 2.10), duration of work (OR = 2.01), and difficulty keeping up with work (OR = 2.00) were significant predictors contributing to the occurrence of MD in different body regions. Only shoulder MD prevalence showed significant differences between study weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Sculptors suffer from MD. Demographic and work characteristic factors influence MD prevalence. Postural training, improved adaptation of work organization, and intervention guidance on ergonomic risks may reduce the prevalence of MD and the risk of MSDs in this population.

Disclosing Strain: How Psychosocial Risk Factors Influence Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Healthcare Workers Preceding and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, engage in a daily work routine that takes a toll on their emotional well-being, rendering them vulnerable to psychosocial risk factors. This research seeks to analyse the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. An additional analysis was performed to understand the role of age in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the perception of psychosocial risk factors. The study was conducted during two separate periods-pre-pandemic and pandemic times-involving a sample of 456 nurses from both public and private hospitals in Portugal. The INSAT-Health and Work Survey-was used as measuring instrument. The primary observations indicated a consistency between psychosocial risk factors and the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings revealed a significant exposure to psychosocial risk factors, with work pace, intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands exhibiting higher global average percentages during both periods, pre-pandemic and pandemic. Nonetheless, we find that the psychosocial risk factors change when we analyse the pre-pandemic and pandemic results. During the period before the pandemic, the psychosocial risk factors that were most commonly reported included the demanding pace of work, long working hours, and emotional demands. Through the pandemic, the most pronounced psychosocial risk factors were work relationships, employment relationships, and ethical and values conflicts. Therefore, research in this domain is essential to understanding psychosocial risk factors and assessing the less obvious links between work and health.

Biomechanical and ergonomic risks associated with cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction amongst surgeons: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Surgeons are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms due to a range of factors including, maladaptive positioning and surgical ergonomics. Cervical muscle strain and biomechanical load is most prevalent due to repetitive motions and prolonged static neck positioning. This issue is apparent through reports of prevalence between 10 and 74.4% among surgeons. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an objective assessment of the clinical evidence available and a descriptive analysis of the effects of kinematics and surgical ergonomics on the prevalence of surgeons' cervical musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This is PRISMA-compliant systematic review of clinical studies assessing the prevalence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in surgeons by searching PUBMED and Ovid EMBASE databases from inception to 19th October 2023. Study quality was graded according to the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies were included in the final qualitative analysis. The use of loupes, open surgery and excessive neck flexion (>30°) were associated with cervical dysfunction. Comparison of study outcomes was challenging due to heterogeneity within study methods and the paucity of methodological quality. CONCLUSION: The current literature assessing ergonomic and biomechanical factors predisposing surgeons to cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction is insufficient to provide reliable guidance for clinicians. Although the literature identifies factors contributing to work-related cervical dysfunction, few attempt to evaluate interventions for improved surgical ergonomics. An objective assessment of interventions that prompt postural correction with the aim to improve neck pain in surgeon cohorts is warranted.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: prevalence, associated factors, and impact on quality of life among kitchen workers in hospitality industry, Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are considered major public health problems globally, deteriorating the quality of life of workers in various occupations. Kitchen work is reported as among the occupations most prone to these maladies. Nevertheless, prevalence of WMSDs, contributing factors, and impacts on the quality of life of hospitality industry kitchen workers are insufficiently documented in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of WMSDs, their associated factors, and impact on the quality of life of hospitality industry kitchen workers in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from 17 April to 17 May 2023. A total of 422 participants were included using a simple random sampling technique. WMSDs were evaluated using an interviewer-administered Nordic standardized questionnaire. The short form-36 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The data were collected using the Kobo tool box. SPSS version 26 software was used to perform both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Independent t-tests were used to show the impact of WMSDs on quality of life scales across groups with and without WMSD symptoms. Result: In this study, the response rate was 98.34% (n = 415). The 1-year prevalence of WMSDs among kitchen workers was 82.7% [95% CI: (79.1, 86.3)]. Age group between 30 and 39 years [AOR: 2.81; 95% CI: (1.46-5.41)], job dissatisfaction [AOR: 2.45; 95% CI: (1.34-4.45)], anxiety [AOR: 2.26; 95% CI: (1.12-4.52)], prolonged standing [AOR: 3.81; 95% CI: (1.58-9.17)], and arm overreaching [AOR: 2.43; 95% CI: (1.34-4.41)] were significantly associated factors with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders had a significant impact on all quality of life dimensions, in which the mean SF-36 scores of participants with WMSDs were lower than those of their non-WMSD counterparts. Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of WMSDs was relatively high. Age between 30 and 39 years, job dissatisfaction, anxiety, prolonged standing, and arm overreaching were identified as significant determinants of WMSDs among kitchen workers in hospitality industries. The presence of one or multiple WMSDs, in turn, is associated with worse quality of life dimensions of individuals.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among weavers working in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: cross-sectional study design.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common public health problems throughout the world. It is a major cause of occupational injury, illness, and disability that leads to an increased rate of sick leave, financial costs for both individuals and society and the health care system. Weavers are among the populations exposed to musculoskeletal disorders due to a lack of occupational safety, health services, and poor working conditions. Yet, little is known about WMSD among weavers in Africa particularly in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among weavers. METHOD: A multi-centered institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia among 424 weavers with a response rate of 97.7%. Participants were recruited randomly after proportional allocation was done for each institution and face-to-face interviews were employed to collect data using a well-structured questionnaire adopted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and different literature. The data were entered into Epidata and analyzed using SPSS version (Choobineh A, Lahmi M, Shahnavaz H, Khani Jazani R, Hosseini M. Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 10:157-68, 2004). Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Finally, variables with an AOR, a 95% confidence interval, and a P-value of < 0.05 were reported. RESULT: The annual prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among weavers was 76.3% [CI = 72.2 to 80.2%]. Longer working hours [AOR = 3.48, CI = (1.96-6.21)] lack of back support during sitting [AOR = 2.50 (1.293-4.480)], having repetitive movement in weaving [AOR = 4.11(2.029-8.324)], attaining awkward posture [AOR = 3.37(1.875-6.059)] and job stress [AOR = 4.37(2.447-7.816)] was significantly associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high prevalence of WMSDs among weavers. Our study findings reported that longer working hours, lack of back support during sitting, having repetitive movement in weaving attaining awkward posture, and having job stress were significantly associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Efficacy and safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in COVID-19-associated pneumonia among patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: A real-world retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the effectiveness and safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) patients. METHODS: RMD patients with COVID-19 in Jiangsu Province were polled between December 8, 2022, and February 1, 2023. Information on demographics, disease characteristics, antirheumatic drug use, vaccination status and survival state were collected. COVID-19-associated pneumonia was the primary outcome. The effect of COVID-19 immunization on RMD patients was assessed using multivariate logistic regression, and the adverse events (AEs) following vaccination were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 592 RMD patients with COVID-19, 276 (46.6%) individuals experienced COVID-19-associated pneumonia, and 290 (49.0%) patients were injected with inactivated vaccines. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, vaccines reduced the incidence of COVID-19-associated pneumonia, and receiving booster vaccine was an independent protective factor for COVID-19-associated pneumonia in RMD patients (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41-0.98, p = .034). In particular, inactivated vaccines have a protective impact on RMD patients with a high risk of developing pneumonia, including those aged 45 years and older (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34-0.83), and who have lung involvement (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.82). The total AEs rate of vaccines was 13.9% (40/290), only 11 (3.8%) experienced the recurrence or deterioration of RMDs, and no serious AEs occurred. CONCLUSION: Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines were safe and effective in reducing the risk of COVID-19-associated pneumonia of RMD patients in China.

A systematic review of work related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists and physiotherapists.

Physical therapists and physiotherapists (PPTs) perform and repeat physical tasks that can lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). The aim was to study the main research concerning this problem, i.e. the risk factors, activities that exacerbate WMSD symptoms, alterations in work habits and the proposed responses, and to estimate mean value (±standard deviation, STD) for the most studied parameters. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline. Five databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Medeley and Science.gov) were scanned to identify works investigating the different aspects of WMSD among PPTs. Two reviewers independently selected relevant studies using inclusion/exclusion criteria, critically appraised, and extracted data. To homogenize the data, prevalence were reported to the total sample studied when necessary. Among the 9846 articles identified, 19 articles were included. The WMSD prevalence was over 50 %. The areas most affected were the lower back, neck and thumb. An exhaustive list of parameters were constructed for job risk factors (n = 19), activities that exacerbating symptoms (n = 13), altered work habits (n = 15), responses and treatments (n = 26). The mean prevalence (±STD) was calculated for the major parameters. Nine main job risk factors were extracted with an average prevalence of about 30 % and a relatively high variability. Seven activities exacerbating WMSD symptoms and five altered work habits were identified with a homogeneous rate (5-20 %). Three main responses and treatments were found with heterogeneous prevalence. This review provides useful results for the development of future protocols to prevent the occurrence of WMSD among PPTs and meta-analyses.

ERGONOMIC PRACTICE IN DENTAL CLINICS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS IN GEORGIA.

The dental profession is associated with occupational health problems. The working environment of a dentist is associated with ergonomic risk factors that can significantly reduce the dentist's working ability and even cause the termination of his/her professional activity. Numerous studies have been conducted in different countries (Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Australia, etc.) to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists, though no studies related to the principles of ergonomics in dentistry have been carried out in Georgia. The study aimed to assess the ergonomics of the working environment of dentists in Tbilisi (capital city of Georgia) clinics and to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among them. An observational descriptive study was conducted in April-July 2023 in Tbilisi. A special questionnaire of 40 questions was designed based on international experience. The survey was conducted by random sampling in selected dental clinics. Dentists were asked to fill out the questionnaire during their free time between patient appointments. Those who agreed to participate were provided with electronic versions of the questionnaire. Five hundred dentists were invited to participate in the survey, of whom 314 (62.8%) agreed to fill out the questionnaire. A total of 291 fully completed questionnaires were used for the descriptive statistical analysis. Our study shows that in Tbilisi clinics dentists work on average for 5-6 days (48.8% - 6 days, 37.1% - 5 days) or 40-48 hours a week. A majority of respondents said their workplace met the requirements of ergonomics (it had a good lighting, the chair had a back, instruments could be easily reached), yet most of them rarely lean on the backrest, never or rarely use the hand rest method, and never or rarely do light physical exercise during breaks. The survey shows that 53.6% of dentists most frequently suffer from pain in the back, followed by pain in the neck (50.9%), shoulders (47.9%) and lower back (47.1%). Most of them said they had to work less because of the pain. Introduction of the principles of ergonomics in dental profession is vital for preventing occupational musculoskeletal disorders. It is important to provide continuing professional development programs and information booklets for dentists and thematic online webinars for the management of dental clinics in Georgia.

Musculoskeletal disorders and work ability among dentists and dental students in Finland.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are leading causes for long sickness absences and early retirement. Dental work is physically strenuous, and many studies have shown a relation between work-related MSDs and dentistry. However, fewer studies have focused on how these conditions affect the work ability of dentists. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reveal the relationship between MSD, work ability and sickness absences in Finnish dentists and dental students. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 1200 dental workers and students. It inquired of age, gender, use of dental loupes, physical exercise, use of health care, and site, length and frequency of musculoskeletal complaints. Work ability was assessed with four parameters: work ability score (WAS), future work ability (FWA), self-estimation of MSD-related work disability, and sickness absence days. RESULTS: The questionnaire gained 255 responses (response rate 21%). The majority (90%) of the respondents had experienced MSD during the past year but only eleven percent of them had been on sick leave. MSDs correlated significantly with WAS, FWA and MSD-related work disability. Results remained significant even age adjusted. Age was a strong predictor of declined work ability, but gender, physical exercise or dental loupe use did not have a significant impact. CONCLUSIONS: Despite all the ergonomic advances in modern dentistry, the occurrence of MSD symptoms is still high. MSDs seem to affect dentists' work ability significantly, but amount of sickness absence is relatively low, which may indicate a high level of presenteeism.

[Healthier at work for longer? Trends in life years free of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases in the employed and general population based on health insurance claims data]. / Länger gesund im Beruf? Trends in den Lebensjahren frei von Herz-Kreislauf- und Muskel-Skelett-Erkrankungen in GKV-Daten für die Erwerbstätigen- und Allgemeinbevölkerung.

BACKGROUND: Our study focuses on the development of disease-free life years of two disease groups with high public health relevance: musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Against the backdrop of prolonged working lives, the development of disease-free life years in the working-age population is compared with the trend in the employed population. Differences between occupational groups are also examined. METHODS: The study is based on data from the statutory health insurance provider AOK Lower Saxony (N = 2,001,225). Incident cases were identified based on the diagnosis data. The expected years free of MSD and CVD were calculated using multistate life table analysis for three periods between 2006 and 2018. The occupational group is identified via the occupational key. Three groups are distinguished: unskilled and semi-skilled workers, skilled workers and specialists, and highly skilled workers. RESULTS: Life years free of MSD clearly decreased in the general population and among the employed population. The decrease was strongest in the higher-skilled occupational groups. Life years free of CVD increased in the general population. The increase was weaker among the employed population. The only occupational group showing increases were men in unskilled and semi-skilled occupations. DISCUSSION: The study shows that disease-free life years among employed persons developed in some cases worse than in the general population. For the analysed disease groups MSD and CVD, there are clear inequalities between occupational groups, which decreased somewhat over time. The inequalities and the decrease in years free of MSD highlight the high public health relevance and the need for effective prevention strategies to prevent CVD and MSD in working age.

Incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal health conditions in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers: A report from the Swiss childhood cancer survivor study.

PURPOSE: Childhood cancer and its treatment can cause damage to the musculoskeletal system. We aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal health conditions (MSHC) in survivors, and to investigate differences by cancer-related characteristics. METHODS: We used data from the Childhood Cancer Registry and the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, including survivors (≥5 years since diagnosis; diagnosed 1976-2015 at <20 years of age) aged ≥15 years at study. Cumulative incidence and prevalence of MSHCs (osteoporosis, limb length discrepancy, limited joint mobility, bone/joint pain, scoliosis, changes to chest/ribs and amputation) were calculated from self-reported data. RESULTS: We included 2645 survivors (53% men; median age 24 years, range 15-59 years). Prevalence and cumulative incidence of any MSHC was 21% and 26%, respectively. Incidence rate for any MSHC was 15.6/1000 person-years. Scoliosis (8%), bone/joint pain (7%) and limited joint mobility (7%) were the most prevalent MSHC. MSHC co-occurred with other health conditions in 87% of survivors. We found increased rates of MSHC in women (RR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.2-1.7), bone tumour survivors (RR = 6.0, 95%CI: 4.5-7.9), survivors older at diagnosis (11-15 years: RR = 1.8, 95%CI: 1.5-2.3), after a relapse (RR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.3-1.9), treatment with surgery (RR = 1.2, 95%CI: 1.0-1.5), chemotherapy (RR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.1-1.8) or stem cell transplantation (RR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.0-2.5), and more recent year of diagnosis (2011-2015: RR = 4.3, 95%CI: 2.8-6.8). CONCLUSION: MSHCs are prevalent in survivors, the risk is increasing in younger survivor cohorts, and MSHCs usually occur in multimorbid survivors. Strengthening of rehabilitation services and appropriate referrals are needed to mitigate the effects of the cancer and cancer treatment.

World Trends in Dental Ergonomics Research: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Dental ergonomics provides an overview of dentists' work efficiency. The objective of this study was to obtain quantitative information and produce a visualization of the network of scientific publications on the topic of ergonomics and dentistry using bibliometric analysis. Data mining was conducted using the Scopus database and Boolean expressions (ergonom* AND dentist*) on 14 April 2023. Data extraction and analysis were performed using Open Refine version 3.5.2., VOSviewer version 1.6.17., VOSviewer thesaurus, Microsoft Excel, and Tableau Professional version 2020.1.2. A total of 682 documents were identified, with the United States having the largest number of documents and citations (89 documents, 1321 citations). Work, Dentistry Today, and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health were the top three sources. Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are two of the very prominent keywords, with research topics covering prevalence, causes, factors related to causes, prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, evaluation, and intervention. There was no research on ergonomic interventions that collaborated with human factors and ergonomics (HFE). We conclude that the trending topic of dental ergonomics research topics around the world is centered on MSDs. The future research challenge is to apply HFE science to improve the health, safety, efficiency, and quality of dentists' work.

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) in a Population of Professional Basketball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders affect a large portion of the population worldwide. The musculoskeletal health questionnaire is a helpful tool for assessing the health state of patients with these disorders. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MSK_HQ-IT in a population of professional basketball players. The secondary aim is to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Material and Methods: The study was performed from September to October 2022. The questionnaire was completed using an online or paper form, to which personal data were collected. Data were collected by submitting a translated version of the musculoskeletal health questionnaire directly to professional athletes. Results: A total of 63 basketball players were recruited. Regarding functional limitations, the body parts mentioned by the sample were the left ankle (23.8%) and the right ankle (17.5%), followed by the lumbar column and right hip (15.9%). Regarding pain, the data are more homogeneous, with a distribution in line with functional limitations. A peak of pain was perceived in the left foot, with a mean score of 4. Cronbach's alpha showed a value of 0.85. Conclusions: The musculoskeletal health questionnaire shows promising results in evaluating the health state of a population of professional athletes. Further studies are needed to enlarge the sample and possibly open it to more categories of professional sports.