Impact of the absence of vertical mobility on physical well-being and academic performance of Dentistry students
Keywords:
University accessibility, Academic performance, Vertical mobility, Dental ergonomics, Student welfareAbstract
Background: The lack of adequate infrastructure in university environments can create significant physical barriers for students.
Objective: To describe the prevalence of physical barriers associated with the absence of vertical mobility and their perceived impact on the physical well-being and academic performance of dental students.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted. All dental students from the fourth to tenth semester at UNIANDES (n = 90) were invited; 81 completed an 11-item ad hoc structured questionnaire (response rate: 90 %).
Results: The sample was predominantly female (60.5 %). 92.6 % [95 % CI: 84.8–96.6 %] reported excessive fatigue from stair use, 91.4 % [95 % CI: 83.2–95.8 %] identified displacement difficulties, and 82.7 % [95 % CI: 73.0–89.5 %] reported musculoskeletal pain associated with equipment transport.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that implementing vertical mobility systems could be a relevant intervention to mitigate the perceived risk of musculoskeletal disorders, promote inclusion, and optimize academic performance.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Paula Andrea Cáceres Silva, Vanessa Stefani a Naula-Jarrin, Karen Vanessa Reinoso-Tucunango
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