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

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.