Musculoskeletal disorders and the affecting factors among teachers: An example from Turkey

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are important health problems due to their high incidence as well as their effects on the society and individuals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the musculoskeletal disorders experienced by teachers, and to evaluate their relationship with certain factors causing musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was carried out on 416 teachers working in a provincial center using the face-to-face interview method. RESULTS: Per this 64.9% of the teachers had musculoskeletal disorders, and the pain was mostly localized in the neck region with 55.5%. The work stress scores of the teachers were found to have a positive and significant correlation with musculoskeletal disorder scores and a negative significant correlation with the satisfaction with life scores (p= 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, the time spent sitting at a desk, time spent working in a standing position, time devoted to housework, shoe preference, work stress and life satisfaction were determined as effective predictors on musculoskeletal complaints. The model that was developed explained 22.5% of the variance (R-2 = 22.5; p= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among teachers, health-promoting actions are needed in order to raise the awareness of both administrators and teachers in improving working conditions as well as preventing musculoskeletal disorders.