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Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Self-reported occupational health issues among Lithuanian dentists
Alina Puriene1, Jolanta Aleksejuniene, Jadvyga Petrauskiene
1Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Industrial Health
|August 22, 2008
Summary
Lithuanian dentists report high rates of fatigue and back pain, impacting their general health. Early diagnosis and treatment of occupational health issues are crucial for this profession.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dental Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The health of dentists is a significant concern due to the demanding nature of the profession.
- Understanding the prevalence of physical complaints and their impact on general health is vital for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate self-reported physical health complaints and general health status among Lithuanian dentists.
- To identify associations between specific physical complaints and the overall perceived health state.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was conducted in 2006 among all licensed dentists (N=2,449) in Lithuania.
- A response rate of 68.2% was achieved, with data analyzed using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Fatigue (94.7%) and back pain (91.0%) were the most common complaints, with high chronicity potential.
- Hypertension, joint diseases, and allergies were prevalent diagnosed conditions.
- Fatigue, headache, hand problems, chest pain, and musculoskeletal complaints significantly negatively impacted general health perception.
Conclusions:
- Lithuanian dentists experience substantial occupationally-related health problems.
- There is a need to enhance health awareness regarding occupational hazards.
- Emphasizing early diagnosis and treatment for these disorders is essential for the dental workforce.
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