Assessing the effects of an educational program for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among school teachers

Abstract

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders represent one of the most common and most costly occupational health problems in both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of occupational health education and ergonomic training on awareness, attitude and behavior of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among teachers.MethodsA self-controlled longitudinal study with pre/post design was used to evaluate the effects of intervention among school teachers from the 21st of June, 2010 to the 21st of August, 2011. Choosing a cluster random sampling method, 350 (70.0% response rate (350/500)) teachers from four schools were assigned to receive eight weeks of intervention (participatory ergonomic training and occupational health education). Evaluations focused on teachers who participated in both pre- and post-questionnaires. Two post-tests were then administered to the participants to identify changes at six and 12 months after intervention.ResultsThe follow-up rate was 93.7% (328/350) at six months after intervention, and 90.9% (319/350) at 12 months after intervention. After the intervention, the awareness rate, attitude and health behavior improved. The self-reported prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders for neck, shoulder, upper and lower back pain, or discomfort were lower than before intervention (P < 0.05).ConclusionInterventions based on occupational health education lectures, on-site ergonomics training, publicity brochures and posters showed a positive effect on prevention and control of the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in teachers. Improvement in awareness, behavior and attitude changes, and prevalence were found at both six and 12 months post-intervention, confirming that the effectiveness of the program can be sustained.

Fisioterapia Laboral Na Formação Ergonômica E Consciência Postural De Trabalhadores Administrativos De Uma Instituição De Ensino Superior

“…Os resultados deste trabalho convergem com diversos outros estudos que têm demonstrado que a educação ergonômica leva a mudanças comportamentais no ambiente de trabalho com eficácia na prevenção dos DORT, proporcionando melhora de sintomas osteomusculares como dor e desconforto de trabalhadores comparados a outros que atuam no mesmo ambiente de trabalho, mas que não receberam este tipo de formação(MAHMUD NORASHIKIN; KENNY; RAHMAN, 2012;SHUAI et al, 2014).…”

“…Implicando em mudança significativa no comportamento saudável e no uso de postura adequadas no ambiente de trabalhoem 6 meses após a intervenção. Os conhecimentos relacionados aos DORTs fisiopatologia, biomecânica e fatores de prevenção aumentaram: sobre definiçãode DORTs (de 25,4%/n=89 para 47,5%/n=156),sobre prevenção de DORT (70,0%/n=245 para 79,5%/n=261) esobre curvas fisiológicas da coluna ( de 20,29%/n=71 para 55.4%/n=182).Também cresceram em conhecimento em relação a fatores mais ergonômicos como ajuste ideal da altura do assento (de 20,8%/n=73 para 32,6%/n=107) e a postura correta na mesa de trabalho (de 46,5%/n=163 para de 73,1%/n=240).O comportamento e atitude dos professores para a prevenção dos DORTs persistiu com êxito durante pelo menos 12 mesesde intervenção, quando também foi verificadouma queda significativa na prevalência de dores ou distúrbios relatados pelos professores (SHUAI et al, 2014), dados estes que corroboram com a pesquisa em pauta.…”

Sintomas osteomusculares e estresse não alteram a qualidade de vida de professores da educação básica

“…Musculoskeletal problems and stress are some of the many factors that affect teachers' health and quality of life. The disorders resulting from the musculoskeletal system can lead to the appearance of various signs, such as pain and functional incapacity, causing absence from work activities 4 . When excessive, stress can cause depression, psychological and physical exhaustion, and psychosomatic diseases 5 .…”

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Preparatory School Teachers in Egypt

“…The work tasks of school teachers often involves significant use of a 'head down' posture, such as frequent reading, marking of assignments, and writing on a blackboard (Erick & Smith, 2011) Musculoskeletal complaints, especially of the lower back, neck and shoulders, are also common among teachers due to prolonged desk work, prolonged standing in class and repetitive overhead writing on the board, prolonged sitting resulting from frequent reading, preparation of lessons and marking of assignments, and working on a computer (Shuai et al , 2014).…”