The Effectiveness of Ergonomics Intervention Program to Reduce the Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal

The Effectiveness of Ergonomics Intervention Program to Reduce the Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Dubai Healthcare Workers in Dubai (UAE)

This study evaluates an ergonomics intervention to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental healthcare workers in Dubai government hospitals, where up to 90% prevalence affects the lower back, neck, shoulders, and upper extremities due to repetitive tasks and postures. Using a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) across three hospitals (55 participants per intervention/control group), it assesses MSD prevalence/severity, mental health, physical activity, and KAP scores at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Analyses include logistic regression, ANOVA, and GEE. Expected outcomes: identify predictors and demonstrate intervention efficacy via education, environmental, and behavioral changes, informing UAE occupational health policies.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Educational intervention program to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Detailed Description

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an ergonomics intervention program to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental healthcare workers in Dubai government hospitals. MSDs pose significant occupational health challenges globally, especially among dental professionals, who often experience high prevalence of pain in the lower back, neck, shoulders, and upper extremities due to repetitive tasks, static postures, and patient handling. In Dubai and the broader UAE, these disorders affect up to 90% of dental healthcare workers, yet focused research and intervention programs remain limited. This research will be conducted in three phases. A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness by comparing outcomes between intervention and control groups at baseline, post-intervention, and a three-month follow-up. Outcome measures include changes in MSD prevalence and severity, mental health impact, physical activity level, and KAP scores. Statistical analyses will include logistic regression, one-way ANOVA, and Generalized Estimating Equations to assess within- and between-group differences over time. This RCT will recruit 110 participants (55 per group), using cluster randomization of hospitals to prevent contamination. Participants must have at least one year of professional experience and be between 25 and 65 years old, excluding those with certain medical conditions or current leave. Expected outcomes include identifying significant socio-demographic, mental health, physical activity, and environmental predictors for MSDs, and demonstrating the intervention's effectiveness in reducing MSD risk factors and improving related health and behavioral outcomes. The study emphasizes the integration of ergonomic education with environmental and behavioral modifications to achieve sustainable improvements in dental workers' occupational health. This research addresses critical gaps in understanding and managing MSDs among dental healthcare workers in Dubai, providing evidence-based guidance for occupational health policies and practices. Its comprehensive, theory-driven intervention program has the potential to enhance the well-being, productivity, and retention of dental professionals, ultimately benefiting patient care quality in the rapidly growing UAE healthcare sector.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 110
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: FARAH ALHAMMADI, Master; Phone Number: +971 56 324 2666; Email: gs69164@student.upm.edu.my
• Study Contact Backup: Name: IRNIZA RASDI, PhD; Phone Number: +603 9769 2602; Email: irniza@upm.edu.my

Study Locations

• Malaysia
  • Selangor
    • Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, 43300
      • Recruiting
      • Irniza Rasdi
      • Contact: IRNIZA RASDI; Phone Number: +603 9769 2602; Email: irniza@upm.edu.my
      • Contact: FARAH ALHAMMADI, Master; Phone Number: +97156324 2666; Email: gs69164@student.upm.edu.my

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dental healthcare workers currently active in their professional roles.
• Minimum of one year of professional experience to ensure adequate occupational exposure.
• Age range between 25 and 65 years to focus on the working-age population most at risk.
• Consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals on extended leave or not currently practicing.
• History of upper limb injuries unrelated to work.
• Presence of neurological or rheumatological conditions.
• Severe systemic diseases such as multiple sclerosis or stage II hypertension.
• Recent surgeries involving the neck or shoulder.
• Pregnancy.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Other: Educational intervention program; The intervention group will receive an educational intervention program to reduce and changes in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), Mental Health, Physical Activity, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Work-Related MSDs.	Other: Educational intervention program to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); This intervention is based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), while enhancing ergonomics, mental health, and physical activity among dental healthcare workers in Dubai government hospitals. This program will include educational booklets, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, practical exercises, and stretching sessions over multiple weeks. The course will include six weekly teaching units (lectures, discussions, and hands-on practice, 45-60 minutes each): Topic 1: Understanding MSD causes and risk factors in dental practice. Topic 2: Ergonomic principles and proper postures. Topic 3: Optimizing equipment and operator-patient positioning. Topic 4: Recognizing early MSD symptoms and prevention strategies. Topic 5: Incorporating rest breaks and time management. Topic 6: Promoting physical activity and stretching routines.; Other Names: Educational intervention program
No Intervention: No Intervention: Control group; The control group will not any educational intervention program

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Musculoskeletal Disorders	Will be assessed via the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ; Hedge et al., 1999). Participants will self-report frequency (Never-Always), severity (Slight-Extreme), and interference (Likert scales) across body regions (neck, shoulders, back, limbs). The total score will be calculated as frequency × severity × interference.	T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Improve in Mental Health	Will be measured with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), comprising 12 items on social dysfunction, anxiety, and confidence loss (4-point Likert scale; total score range 0-36, with higher scores indicating greater distress). This tool has been validated for Arab populations (El-Metwally et al., 2018).	T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Improve in Physical Activity	Will be evaluated using the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ; Baecke et al., 1982), which includes 18 Likert items (1=Never-5=Always) across work, sports, and leisure domains. The total score will sum domain indices, with higher scores indicating greater activity (Adewale et al., 2016).	T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Improve in Knowledge of Work-Related MSDs	Will be assessed with 30 trichotomous questions (Yes/No/I don't know) on risk factors, ergonomics, and prevention (scored 0-30; good/poor knowledge classified via median split) (Mulimani et al., 2018; Lietz et al., 2020).	T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Improve in Attitude toward Work-Related MSDs	Will be measured using 25 items on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree-5=strongly agree; total score range 25-125; positive/negative attitudes classified via median split) covering risks and interventions (Mulimani et al., 2018; Lietz et al., 2020).	T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.
Improve in Practice regarding Work-Related MSDs	Will be evaluated with 23 items on a 5-point Likert scale (Always-Never; total score range 23-115; satisfied/unsatisfied practices classified via median split) on MSD prevalence, risks, and ergonomic practices (Mulimani et al., 2018; Lietz et al., 2020).	T1 = Baseline. T2= One month's post-intervention. T3= Three months Follow up.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Universiti Putra Malaysia
• Investigators: Study Chair: IRNIZA RASDI, PhD, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 1, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): April 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 30, 2027

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 25, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 25, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): March 3, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 3, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 25, 2026
• Last Verified: February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: UPM-PhDFALHAMMADI

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No