Self-assessment of ergonomics among undergraduate dental students in Bangalore-interventional study

Background: Occupational health hazards are common in many sectors and are on a continuous rise. The goal of ergonomics is to establish a safe, healthy, and comfortable working environment. When applied to dentistry, a sound knowledge on ergonomics seeks to reduce cognitive and physical stress, prevent occupational diseases and improve productivity. To evaluate self-assessment of ergonomics among undergraduate students. Methods: A single blinded, parallel-arm randomized control trial was conducted among 120 undergraduate students who fulfilled prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected using validated questionnaire with 4 domains; socio-demographic details, knowledge, attitude, practice and MDOPAI scale to assess self-evaluation. Data were analysed, considered statistically significant at p≤0.05. Results: The mean knowledge scores of control and intervention group before intervention was 2.33±1.09 and 2.58±1.19 respectively, while after training it was significantly increased in intervention group to 4.2±0.89. Percentage of subjects with positive attitude among control group and intervention group was 30% and 45%, while after intervention was 58.3% and 78.3% respectively. Among intervention group self-assessment scale, MDOPAI scores were significantly improved from baseline to intervention i.e. 1.6% to 26.6%. Conclusions: The study concluded that the knowledge, attitude and practice scores of ergonomics in dentistry was significantly improved after intervention.