Musculoskeletal pain among school teachers are we underestimating its impact?

ABSTRACT

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common occupational health condition which may significantly impact both work attendance and performance. School teachers represent an occupational group among which there appears to be a high prevalence of neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP). Epidemiological data on NSP and LBP in South African teachers are limited.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NSP and LBP among primary school teachers in the Central Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; to identify predominant occupational factors associated with NSP and LBP pain; and to highlight key actions associated with such factors so as to direct future preventive measures/interventions.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted on teachers from 12 randomly selected primary schools.Results: Among the 97 completed questionnaires, the prevalence of NSP and LBP was 80.4% and 68.0%, respectively. There was no association between age and NSP (p < 0.250) or LBP (p < 0.595). However, there were higher prevalence rates of NSP and LBP among the 45-54 years age group (39.2% and 33.0%, respectively). Factors associated with NSP included marking of assessments (56.7%; n = 55), and writing on a blackboard (39.2%; n = 38); prolonged standing was associated with LBP (83.5%; n = 81). These findings highlighted specific actions, such as forward-bending of the head for prolonged periods (61.9%; n = 60), backward-bending of the head for prolonged periods (20.6%; n = 20), and reaching/stretching with arms above chest height (41.2%; n = 40). Conclusion: Key occupational factors associated with MSP, and associated actions identified in this study can be used as a basis to direct strategies that can be applied to reduce the prevalence of MSP and the onset of MSD in teachers