The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its associated factors among female Saudi school teachers

Abstract

Objectives: To quantify the prevalence and identify the associated factors of musculoskeletal pain among Saudi female school teachers. Methods: An observational quantitative cross-sectional survey of female Saudi school teachers in five different areas of Saudi Arabia was carried out between August and October 2013. A self-administered questionnaire was used in which the items related to participants’ demographic information and pain information were included. A numeric pain rating scale was used for patient self-reporting of pain. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS Pc+ version 21.0 statistical software. Results: Four hundred and eighty six female school teachers responded to the survey. Severe Low back pain was reported by 38.1% of teacher, followed by knee pain (26.3%), heel (24.1%), shoulder (20.6%), upper back (17.7%), hip joint (16.5%),ankle (12.3%), neck (11.3%). Sever pain of elbow (5.6%) and wrist (7.4%) was the least reported. Pain affected work at school in 46.1% of school teachers. A combination of variables: body mass index, Vitamin D deficiency, teaching level, presence of chronic illness, were found to be significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion: The results of self-reported prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among female Saudi school teachers is useful to educate the school teachers for adequate care so as to prevent these pains. There is a need for the higher authorities to address this issue and implement intervention programs to alleviate the pain and suffering of these school teachers.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among school teachers from urban and rural areas in Chuquisaca, Bolivia: a cross-sectional study

“…Individual factors, as well as working conditions under which the teachers perform their work could explain the presence of specific musculoskeletal disorders for each region of the body. MSD in neck and upper extremities can be a consequence of the significant use of uncomfortable physical activities, like ‘head down’ posture, during reading, writing on a blackboard or marking of assignments for several hours [ 22 , 23 ]; but also back and lower extremities could be affected due to long hours standing while teaching [ 24 ], postural overloads in the classroom, uncomfortable back support while seated, recurrent twisting, and prolonged static postures [ 25 ]. Additionally teachers face every day social and psychological demands inside and outside the school [ 26 , 27 ], and have reported less time for rest after work, because of extra work at home [ 28 ], which could lead in chronic and disabling musculoskeletal disorders [ 29 ].…”

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Symptomatic School Teachers Attending University Hospital

“…Questions that were asked for a patient presenting with hand or wrist symptoms: 1 Assessment was done for: weakness/atrophy of thenar muscle (Werner, 2006) as well as sensory abnormality (Graham et al, 2006). Tinel's Sign in which tap on the median nerve with a reflex hammer were carried out.…”

Relationship between shoulder pain and weight of shoulder bags in young women

“…Shoulder pain is a common complaint in women that may be associated with anatomical, environmental, or social factors and that have different prevalence rates. A study conducted in Middle East with female teachers aged over 20 years showed a high prevalence (60.6%) of shoulder pain and highlighted that factors such as physical activity and satisfaction with work environment were associated with pain (Abdulmonem et al, 2014). On the other hand, research conducted in Europe with women aged 20-55 years found a lower prevalence (25.5%) of shoulder pain (Meroni et al, 2014).…”

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