Analysis of musculoskeletal disorders symptoms in professors of the University of Pernambuco – Petrolina Campus

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: College professors are exposed to numerous pressure sources which affect their quali ty of life and professional activities. Notwithstanding, studies discussing musculoskeletal disorders in this population are still scarce in the literature. This study aimed at evaluating symp toms of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders among profes sors of the University of Pernambuco-Petrolina Campus. METHODS: Sample was made up of 49 professors and to ob tain musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence and typology, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire was used, as well as the visual analog scale to evaluate pain intensity. RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 85.7%, being that 64.3% have reported that symptoms are related to and worsen with teaching activities, being cases suggestive of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders. Most af fected anatomic region was lumbar spine (54.8%), followed by cervical spine (45.2%), shoulders (23.8%) and wrists/hands (23.8%). Most prevalent regions with severe pain were upper limbs (36.8%), lower limbs (32.0%) and spine (21.9%). CONCLUSION: The studied sample had a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and acknowledged that symptoms are related to and worsen with teaching activities, being sugges tive of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders.

O trabalho docente em pós-graduação: prazer e sofrimento

“…Diante disso, fica evidente que os professores de ensino superior, estão expostos a inúmeras fontes de pressão, além de elevada carga horária de trabalho, pequenas pausas destinadas ao descanso e lazer, uso excessivo das tecnologias de comunicação, ritmo intenso de trabalho e exigências de um alto nível de atenção e concentração. 17 A natureza do trabalho do professor, quanto ao contexto em que este exerce suas funções, encontra estressores que podem levar ao sofrimento ou mesmo ao comprometimento de sua saúde, pois executam atividades administrativas, conciliam atividades de ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Essas diferentes fontes de pressão têm comprometido a qualidade de vida dessa categoria de profissional.…”

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Academic Staff of Mekelle University, Ethiopia

“…The prevalence of this study was lower than studies conducted among academicians in: University of Limerick, Republic of Ireland 85%. 15 University of Pernambuco, Brazil 85.7%, 7 Mara University, Malaysia 78.9%, 1 and Obafemi University, Nigeria 71.7%. 9 This variation maybe due to a difference in: data collection methods, sample size and sampling techniques.…”

“…These result also supported by a study done in Brazil and Malaysia. 1 , 7 Working for a long period of time without changing position may predispose academicians to micro trauma and soft tissue injury. The impact of soft tissue injury can cause pain and increase the risk of MSP.…”

“…6 One year prevalence of MSP among professors of Petrolina, Brazil was 85.7% and 64.3% of them have symptoms that worsen with teaching activities. 7 The prevalence in the university environment was high compared to primary and secondary school teachers (55 %). 8 Another study in Malaysia assesses the annual prevalence of upper limb pains (ULDs) in University set up among different job categories reported that was: among lecturer (70%), drivers (63.6%), and administrative staffs (58%).…”

Impacto dos sintomas osteomusculares nas práticas de ensino de docentes

“…Os professores estão dentro das classes de profissionais que mais estão expostos a disfunções causadas pelo ambiente de trabalho, seja pelas altas cargas de estresse ou pela elevada cobrança, que geram prejuízos ao bem-estar físico e emocional [3]. Eles podem apresentar desgaste e tristeza diante de casos de incompetência, demonstrando dificuldades para comprovar cada habilidade, presença de indisposição, além da presença de existência da dor na realização de atividades do dia a dia [4].…”