MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders represent one of the leading causes of occupational injury and disability in the developed and industrially developing countries. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Iranian high school teachers was determined by using Nordic questionnaires as the diagnostic tool. Data on MSDs were analyzed in 231 high school teachers. The survey was performed four times, twice every year. The MSDs were defined using three definitions, based on the frequency, duration and pain intensity of the symptoms. Symptoms causing work interference in the last 12 months were reported by 35% male and 15% female participants at baseline. Low back symptoms were the most common cause of work impairment (male = 69%, female = 77%), followed by equality pain in the neck. Based on the participants report, during the last 24 months there were totally 35% male and 15% female days of sick leave due to MSDs. The study confirms that the high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems may prevent teachers from doing their jobs, resulting in work absenteeism, may decrease work productivity, and may incur direct and indirect costs. Future research will examine the impact of organizational of work.