The Relationship of Handedness, Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Dental Hygienists

Abstract

Purpose Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have a high prevalence among dental hygienists (DHs). However, there is a gap in the literature on WMSDs related to handedness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship between WMSDs, handedness, and HRQoL in DHs in clinical practice.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of DHs residing in the United States or Canada. The survey instrument consisted of three validated questionnaires on handedness, WMSDs, and HRQoL, as well as an open-ended question on the effects of WMSDs on HRQoL. Measures of frequency and logistic regression were used to determine handedness, and injuries and their influence on HRQoL.Results A total of 335 participants met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Most identified as right-handed (78.2%, n=262); a smaller group identified as left handed (8.1%, n=27). Respondents reported that WMSDs in the lower back (39.8% n=94) and wrist/hand (34.6%, n=82) over the past 12 months negatively impacted work activities. Handedness and the average number of weekly hours devoted to patient care were associated with poor physical health (p=.05), poor mental health (p=<.001), and activity limitation (p=.02). However, handedness was not a predictor of WMSDs or HRQoL.Conclusion While the prevalence of left-handedness in this study was higher than in the general population, handedness was not a predictor of WMSDs and HRQoL. However, WMSDs of the lower back, wrists/hands, and neck affected the ability to work in the past 12 months, and WMSDs of the upper back negatively impacted HRQoL.

Keywords: dental hygienists; ergonomics; handedness; health-related quality of life; musculoskeletal disorders.