Factors associated with musculoskeletal pain among teachers: sociodemographics aspects, general health and well-being at work

Abstract

Introduction:Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most frequent complaints among teachers, compromising their health and quality of life. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among teachers, assessing their occurrence according to sociodemographic characteristics, general health and well-being at work. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study conducted with 525 teachers. During activities of continuing education, the teachers completed a self-administered questionnaire containing questions about sociodemographic factors, general health, well-being at work and musculoskeletal pain. Results: The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was equal to 73.5%. The most common musculoskeletal pains were localized in the shoulders (31.6%), upper back (27.8%), neck (27.2%) and ankles and/or feet (24.0%). Circulatory and respiratory problems and Common Mental Disorders were associated with pain in the shoulders, upper back, neck and ankles and/or feet. Well-being at work is associated with pain in the shoulders, neck and ankles and/or feet. Conclusion: It is necessary to deepen the knowledge about musculoskeletal pain among teachers, exploring the biological, ergonomic, occupational and psychosocial mechanisms of teaching, as well as invest in practices that improve the relationship of coexistence between workers and activities that enhance the comfort and reduce referred pain.

Impacto da saúde na qualidade de vida e trabalho de docentes universitários de diferentes áreas de conhecimento

“…As in other professions, ill-health among teachers may be associated with various aspects and is related to low levels of QoL. It is therefore important to gain a deeper understanding of teachers' health, exploring the biological, ergonomic, occupational, and psychosocial mechanisms underlying teaching, and to invest in practices that improve communication and interaction between workers 14,15 .…”

Unhealthy Mental States Are Positively Associated with Subjective Pain or Fatigue in Specific Body Sites among High School Teachers in Japan

“…Ceballos' survey has reported that the prevalence of teachers with musculoskeletal pain was over 70% [35]. Darwish argue that women often wear high-heeled shoes and this may cause fatigue and pain in lower extremities [44].…”

“…Although we have not asked the details that how long teachers stand, sit, use computers, teachers spend much time using personal computers, such as grading work, documentation, reports, contacting parents, and creating documents. It has been reported that teachers often complain of musculoskeletal pain [35]. Pain and fatigue are believed to occur from using the computer in the same or in a strained position.…”

Determinantes de capacidade para o trabalho no cenário da Educação Básica do Brasil: Estudo Educatel, 2016

“…Repercussions on teachers' physical and mental health and professional performance have been highlighted in different contexts, featuring the high prevalence of psychological disorders in the teaching profession 17,25 . Mental disorders are among the main causes of illness for teachers, along with musculoskeletal disorders and voice problems 13,26,27 .…”