AN ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS AND SELF-REPORT ABOUT OCCUPATION-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS IN TURKEY

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and self-report occupational health problems among dental technicians in Izmir, Turkey. Material mid Method. A total of 185 dental technicians, 27 women (mean age 25.1 +/- 3.87). and 158 men (mean age 30.2 +/- 7.89) were included. In the first set of self-administered questionnare forms prepared, demographic data. working profile and use of protection material were recorded In the second set awareness health complaints and perception of general health status were determined. Results: Mean age was 29.5 years (+/- 7.05) and mean duration of dental work was 12.2 years (+/- 8.10). The prevalence of self-reported occupational-related health complaints according to systems were, musculoskeletal (23.8%), dermal (11.9%), respiratory (10.3%), cye (8.6%), and hearing (6.5%) problems There was no gender prevalence as regards to health complaints, perception of general health status and awareness (p>0.05). The relationship between perception of general health status and self-reported occupational health problems was observed to be significant us regards to dermal (p=0.006) and respiratory systems (p=0.001). The relationship between awareness and education was significant in that the awareness in the university-educated subjects was higher (p=0.045) Conclusion: Increasing the awareness and training about health complaints should be covered in seminars during and after education.