Observational studyBMC public health2026
Prevalence and demographic factors associated with MSD-related sick leave among dentists in Kuwait: a nationwide retrospective study.
Observational study in BMC public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundMusculoskeletal 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.
methodsA 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).
resultsOverall, 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.
conclusionA 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.
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