ASSESSING WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND ERGONOMIC RISKS IN TEACHERS

Abstract

Objectives. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most commonly reported causes of occupational diseases. Although affected teachers may continue to be active, many end their teaching careers early due to these health problems.

The aim of the study was to describe the ”non-ergonomic positions” in the workplace, the associated musculoskeletal disorders, and the resulting health problems among Moldovan teachers.

Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a judgmental sample of 750 teachers working in Moldovan schools. Goniometric indicators of work positions were assessed using the photographic method and by timing occupational activities. The presence of musculoskeletal discomfort and associated factors were evaluated using a questionnaire.

Results. Of the 750 participating, 97% were female, the mean age – 46.6±3.77years. A non-ergonomic working position is adopted by 87.5% of teachers, since the goniometric data showed deviations from physiological joint angles for radiocarpal, elbow, hip, knee, and tibio-tarsal. The angle of neck deviation from the vertical was 24.80°, shoulder deviation was 4.60°, and trunk deviation exceeded the physiological position by an average of 17.50°. The chronic locomotor system diseases had a prevalence of 37.3%, while arthritis, arthrosis, and other destructive joint changes had a prevalence of 28.9%. Furthermore, more than 21.7% of responders reported limb pain at the end of the working day.

Conclusions. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, particularly "chronic locomotor system diseases pain" (arthritis, arthrosis, limb pain) affected more than 1/3 of teachers involved in the study. The most frequently identified ergonomic parameter was "a non-ergonomic working position" due to deviation for: radiocarpal, elbow, hip, knee, tibio-tarsal and neck. These results highlight the need to implement preventative ergonomic measures to reduce the exposure, then the risk of MSDs and so minimize the chronic locomotor system diseases pain.