PREVALENCE OF SELF-REPORTED MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN TEACHERS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the profile of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in a sample of teachers in Turkey.Methods: Each teacher (n=531) was asked to complete the self-administered questionnaire, composed of two parts (demographic and work practice characteristics). Also, standardized Nordic questionnaire (NMQ-general section) was used to collect data on musculoskeletal symptoms (ache, pain, or discomfort) from different regions of the body. Results: It was defined that the teachers reported respectively MSD symptoms at lower back, upper back, neck and shoulders. Female gender and older age were associated with an increased prevalence of neck, lower back and upper extremity symptoms. A more years in work practice was found to increase the risk of neck and lower back symptoms. The exercise habits were positively associated with neck and upper extremity symptoms, while weekly working hours was not associated with pain or discomfort of all regions.Conclusion: Our results showed that pain and discomfort symptoms of different body regions appear to be common among teachers. The mechanical factors such as working in awkward posture and writing with the elevated arm on the board alone or in combination with personal factors may be responsible for MSD symptoms.Keywords: musculoskeletal symptoms, teachers, questionnaire