Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Qum (Aug 2023)
Evaluation of the Effect of Educational Intervention Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on Adopting Proper Posture at Work in Dental Students of Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom City, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal diseases have a high prevalence among dentists. Various risk factors, including unfavorable body position, are influential in the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on adopting proper body position at work in dental students of Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom City, Iran, in 2022. Methods: In this educational intervention, 80 clinical dental students in two groups of intervention and control were evaluated by a demographic questionnaire, the constructs of the theory of planned behavior, and a rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) worksheet. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and percentage, and inferential statistics, including the Chi-square, t test, paired t test, and McNemar Test (marginal homogeneity test). Results: No significant difference was reported in subjective norm constructs (P=0.790) and behavior constructs (P= 0.635) in the intervention group after the educational intervention. However, significant differences were observed in the attitude constructs (P=0.025), perceived behavioral control (P=0.031), and behavior intention (P=0.021). There was also a significant difference in the RULA score between the intervention and control groups after the intervention (P=0.001). Conclusion: Educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior can effectively improve working posture. We saw an improvement in the RULA score and working posture in the intervention group. It is suggested that necessary engineering controls besides education in future educational programs are considered.
