KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT POSTURAL HEALTH AILMENTS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS - A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY

Abstract

Background:Postural health is very important and it should not be neglected. Studies from various parts of the world have shown a high risk percentage prevalence  of musculoskeletal disorders among the dental practitioners.

 Aim:  To assess and create awareness and knowledge about postural health ailments among  the undergraduate dental students.

 Materials and methods: A questionnaire based survey was done using Google forms. The first part consisted of demographic questions from the second part with knowledge and awareness of the topic. The questionnaire was circulated among the students of Saveetha dental College and the responses were collected and they were statistically analysed and tabulated using SPSS software V23 it was first explained in Pie charts and the correlations with the Bar chart, chi-square test was used to check the association and P value of 0.05 was set for  significance.

Results: Among the students sampled 27.22% of first years , 29.11% of second years, 24.05%, third years, 13.29% of fourth years and 6.33% of 5th years.When asked about body posture if they are concerned about it while sitting 58.86% said yes, 27.22% said no and 13.92% said maybe. Although the majority of males responded that they are concerned with their body posture when they sit (37.34%) it is implied that there is no statistically significant gender difference when compared to females(p>0.05).

Conclusion: There is not much awareness of postural health ailments among the undergraduate dental students.This survey created awareness and knowledge about postural health ailments.