Musculoskeletal pain, associated risk factors and coping strategies in school teachers

Abstract

Age, sex and working with improper position, physically and psychologically strenuous work increase risk of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in some professions. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of MSP and its characteristics among school teachers. Nine hundred teachers were evaluated. Pain characteristics, pain intensity, related factors, and activity limitation of the teachers with MSP were questioned. Coping strategies were also investigated. Comparison of the relevant data was done using Chi- Square Test. 463 (51.4%) teachers (269 female; 194 male; mean age= 38.08±9.2 yr.) reported MSP. Pain in neck, upper-back and shoulder region were common in female teachers (p<0.05). Meanwhile, female teachers expressed that the pain severity increases with the overhead reaching and more activity limitations. While male teachers preferred thermal spring therapy, females preferred to take pain killers. Females also took sick-leave report from health providers more frequently. Both female and male teachers with MSP showed moderate depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory a significant difference between gender was found (p=0.05). The female teachers reported more depressive symptoms. Gender, age, emotional status, and improper posture are significant risk factors in terms of developing MSP. Teachers were found to be at risk. © 2011 Academic Journals.