Quality of life, perception and knowledge of dentists on noise

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the perception and knowledge of dentists on occupational noise, its prevention, and effects on their health and quality of life. Methods: a cross-sectional study carried out with 54 dentists of both genders. Two questionnaires were applied: one addressing issues of perception and knowledge on noise and its effects, and another on Quality of Life (SF 36). Results: the workplace noise was considered within medium intensity, and a health risk. Some professionals (59.2%) reported knowing noise prevention methods, although they do not use them. Complaints and the most frequently reported symptoms were irritability, difficulty in understanding speech and tinnitus. The perception of the Quality of Life was worse among men. There was association between pain and perception of noise intensity. Conclusion: noise was considered, regardless of gender, harmful to health and associated with perception of musculoskeletal pain. Symptoms and complaints caused by noise have been reported to negatively impact the professional activity of dentists, however, most of them do not adopt preventive measures.

摘要
研究目的：分析牙医对职业噪声、噪声预防措施及其对健康与生活质量的影响的认知与了解情况。
研究方法：本研究为横断面研究，纳入54名不同性别的牙医。采用两份调查问卷：一份用于调研牙医对噪声及其影响的认知与了解程度，另一份用于评估生活质量（SF 36）。
研究结果：研究对象认为工作场所噪声处于中等强度水平，且构成健康风险。59.2%的受访牙医表示知晓噪声预防方法，但并未实际采用。最常被报告的不适主诉与症状为易怒、言语理解困难及耳鸣。男性牙医的生活质量感知更差。疼痛与噪声强度感知之间存在相关性。
研究结论：无论性别差异，牙医均认为噪声对健康有害，且噪声感知与肌肉骨骼疼痛存在关联。有报告显示，噪声引发的症状与不适会对牙医的执业活动产生负面影响，但绝大多数牙医并未采取相关预防措施。