Orofacial pain and absenteeism in workers of the metallurgic and mechanics industry

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of orofacial pain and its association with absenteeism in worke rs of the metallurgic and mechanics industry of the city of Xanxerê, Brazil. A cross sectional study was performed involving all male workers(n=480) of the 13 industries of the sector in the city. The information was collected by means of structured interviews. Socio-demographic information, prevalence, severity and localization of orofacial pain in the last semester as well as on absenteeism due to orofacial pain formed the questionnaire. Identification data, work sector and shift were collected in the departments of human resources of the companies. The data were assessed using descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-squared tests between absenteeism and pain in the orofacial region. The prevalence of orofacial pain was 66.1%, and stimulated or spontaneous toothache were the most frequent types. Absenteeism due to orofacial pain in the last semester has been reported by 9.3% of workers and it was associated with spontaneous toothache (p<0.001) pain caused by intake of hot and cold liquids or candies (p<0.001), pain in the ear (p=0.01) and a burning sensation in the cheek and lips (p<0.001). Workers with intense orofacial pain presented greater prevalence of absenteeism (p<0.001). We have concluded that the prevalence of orofacial pain was high in the studied population.