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Patterns of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dentists in Herat, Afghanistan: The Role of Ergonomics and
Ozair Erfan1, Mujibullah Jaheed1, Gulbahar Take1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Stomatology, Herat University, Herat, Afghanistan.
Background:
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health concern among dentists due to prolonged static postures and repetitive clinical tasks. Despite extensive global research, evidence from low-resource settings such as Afghanistan remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MSDs and examine associated demographic, occupational, and ergonomic factors among dentists in Herat, Afghanistan.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 223 dentists randomly selected from a sampling frame of 530 registered practitioners in Herat, Afghanistan. Data were collected between January and March 2026 using an adapted Dari version of the standardized nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) administered electronically. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed, followed by multivariable binary logistic regression to evaluate selected factors associated with MSDs. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results:
The prevalence of MSDs was 50.7% during the preceding 7 days and 83.4% during the preceding 12 months. Overall, 84.3% of participants reported musculoskeletal symptoms during at least one of the two assessed periods, with the lower back and neck being the most commonly affected anatomical regions. In bivariate analyses, several demographic, occupational, and ergonomic variables showed statistically significant associations with specific MSDs outcomes, including physical activity, working position, adequacy of rest breaks, appropriate working distance, upper-jaw working position, and selected gender-related differences (p < 0.05). However, in the multivariable binary logistic regression model, none of the included occupational and ergonomic predictors remained statistically significant after adjustment. Therefore, the observed bivariate associations should be interpreted as exploratory rather than as evidence of independent predictors.
Conclusion:
MSDs were highly prevalent among dentists in Herat, indicating a substantial occupational health burden. Although several occupational and ergonomic factors were associated with MSDs in bivariate analyses, no independent predictors were identified after multivariable adjustment. These findings support the need for further prospective research and suggest that ergonomics education, appropriate working practices, workplace modifications, and regular physical activity should be further evaluated as potential strategies for reducing the burden of MSDs among dental professionals.
