Prevalence, Patterns, and Risk Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Diseases Among Teachers in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Community-Based Retrospective Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background and objectiveWork-related musculoskeletal diseases (WMSDs) are one of the most common occupational health concerns among teachers. They refer to a variety of degenerative and inflammatory disorders that can be triggered by the work environment of the people affected. Teachers' health is substantially significant as it impacts their productivity at work. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, patterns, implications, and risk factors of WMSDs among teachers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. MethodsThis study involved a survey based on a cross-sectional questionnaire that was distributed to 404 random school teachers located in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Information such as sociodemographic characteristics, workplace characteristics, characteristics of WMSDs experienced, associated factors, and impact of the symptoms experienced was collected. Questions related to symptoms were obtained from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (ÖMPSQ). The collected data were then analyzed using the SPSS Statistics version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). ResultsAmong the participants, back pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain were the most reported symptoms of WMSDs in the past 12 months, while elbow pain was the least experienced; 41.1% had pain, discomfort, or numbness that prevented them from performing regular daily activities. The regression analysis revealed a relationship between moderate to severe pain and a pain duration of more than 12 months (p=0.001). Additionally, those who were able to perform lighter work and were not having depression had a low probability of pain persistence and were able to carry out their usual work while experiencing pain (p=0.002). ConclusionsIn the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, WMSDs were commonly reported by school teachers. The prevalence of WMSDs among teachers was 41.1%. The pain was described as disabling and causing a negative impact on performance. The most common locations of symptoms were the back, shoulder, and knees. Risk factors for severe pain were female gender, sleeping for six to seven hours, and pain located in the neck shoulder, elbow, hand, thigh/hips, back, knees, and ankles. Furthermore, severe pain was associated with pain duration of more than 12 months, affecting sleep, causing anxiety, and mild depression. The impact of severe pain seriously affected the daily activities of teachers.

Association Between Musculoskeletal Pain and Studying Hours Among Medical Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…Low back pain (44.6%) and neck pain (40.1%) were the most frequently reported complaints among students in the past twelve months in our study, which is similar to a conclusion reached by a study performed in Al-Qassim in 2021 [13]. In another study done in Saudi Arabia, more severe symptoms were encountered based on the duration of working hours [14]. However, our study showed that there was no significant correlation between studying hours, which constitute a student's workload, and MSK pain.…”

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among United Arab Emirates Schoolteachers: An Examination of Physical Activity

“…The prevalence of WMSDs in the elbows area among schoolteachers in the UAE is relatively lower at 16%. This nding is supported by a recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia[15]. Although the speci c reasons for this lower prevalence require further investigation, it could be attributed to the nature of teaching tasks that involve fewer repetitive or forceful movements involving the elbows.…”