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Background <p>Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health concern among dentists, contributing substantially to morbidity and work absenteeism. However, population-level evidence from Kuwait is limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MSD-related sick leave among dentists and to identify associated demographic factors.</p> Methods <p>A nationwide retrospective observational study was conducted using administrative sick leave records from 1 January 2022 to 6 October 2023 across Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities in Kuwait. The analytic records included 2,735 dentists. MSD-related sick leave episodes were identified using an iteratively refined keyword-based algorithm incorporating diagnostic keywords, root terms, and bilingual terminology. The primary outcome was the occurrence of at least one MSD-related sick leave episode during the study period. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize dentist characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine associations between demographic factors and MSD-related sick leave, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</p> Results <p>Overall, 42.49% of dentists (<i>n</i> = 1,162 / 2,735) experienced at least one MSD-related sick leave episode during the study period. In adjusted analyses, dentists aged 30–39 years had higher odds of MSD-related sick leave (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.52–2.16), while those aged ≥ 50 years had lower odds (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.96), compared with those aged &lt; 30 years. Female dentists had higher odds of MSD-related sick leave than males (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.24–1.71). Significant regional variations were also observed.</p> Conclusion <p>A substantial proportion of dentists in Kuwait experienced MSD-related sick leave during the study period, particularly females and dentists in early- to mid-career stages. These findings support the implementation of early preventive ergonomic and occupational health interventions aimed at reducing MSD-related sick leave and improving workforce well-being among dentists.</p>

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Prevalence and demographic factors associated with MSD-related sick leave among dentists in Kuwait: a nationwide retrospective study

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月17日

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  • Saleh Alsarhan,
  • Jagan Kumar Baskaradoss

摘要

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health concern among dentists, contributing substantially to morbidity and work absenteeism. However, population-level evidence from Kuwait is limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MSD-related sick leave among dentists and to identify associated demographic factors.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective observational study was conducted using administrative sick leave records from 1 January 2022 to 6 October 2023 across Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities in Kuwait. The analytic records included 2,735 dentists. MSD-related sick leave episodes were identified using an iteratively refined keyword-based algorithm incorporating diagnostic keywords, root terms, and bilingual terminology. The primary outcome was the occurrence of at least one MSD-related sick leave episode during the study period. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize dentist characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine associations between demographic factors and MSD-related sick leave, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Overall, 42.49% of dentists (n = 1,162 / 2,735) experienced at least one MSD-related sick leave episode during the study period. In adjusted analyses, dentists aged 30–39 years had higher odds of MSD-related sick leave (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.52–2.16), while those aged ≥ 50 years had lower odds (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46–0.96), compared with those aged < 30 years. Female dentists had higher odds of MSD-related sick leave than males (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.24–1.71). Significant regional variations were also observed.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of dentists in Kuwait experienced MSD-related sick leave during the study period, particularly females and dentists in early- to mid-career stages. These findings support the implementation of early preventive ergonomic and occupational health interventions aimed at reducing MSD-related sick leave and improving workforce well-being among dentists.