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Musculoskeletal Disorders in Primary School Teachers

Author

Listed:
  • César O. Ramírez-García

    (Departamento de Producción, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 1101608, Ecuador)

  • Danny J. Lluguay-Quispillo

    (Departamento de Producción, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 1101608, Ecuador)

  • Jorge D. Inga-Lafebre

    (Departamento de Producción, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 1101608, Ecuador)

  • María F. Cuenca-Lozano

    (Departamento de Producción, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 1101608, Ecuador)

  • Rosa M. Ojeda-Zambrano

    (Departamento de Producción, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 1101608, Ecuador)

  • Carmen C. Cárdenas-Baque

    (Departamento de Producción, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 1101608, Ecuador)

Abstract

Teachers in schools often face working conditions imposed by educational institutions that can pose ergonomic risks and affect their health. This research aims to determine the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and the ergonomic risk factors associated with this population. We collected anthropometric data, assessed musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Kuorinka questionnaire in 134 teachers, and analyzed their workplaces using the ERGO/IBV software. The results include an anthropometric description, highlighting that 94% of women and 87% of men are overweight or obese. It also shows the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort, with 69% and 49% of teachers reporting neck and back/lumbar pain, respectively. Among the main attributions to these discomforts, teachers mention that repetitive tasks, improper postures, and stress are the causes. Finally, the results of the ergonomic assessment are mentioned. Using the rapid entire body assessment method, a high and very high risk level was identified for each subtask, while in respect to repetitive tasks, the neck was identified as the most critical area due to the activities performed. In conclusion, we found an association between back/lumbar pain and body mass index, suggesting that overweight or obesity may increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, cervical pain is directly related to the repetitive tasks performed by teachers.

Suggested Citation

  • César O. Ramírez-García & Danny J. Lluguay-Quispillo & Jorge D. Inga-Lafebre & María F. Cuenca-Lozano & Rosa M. Ojeda-Zambrano & Carmen C. Cárdenas-Baque, 2023. "Musculoskeletal Disorders in Primary School Teachers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:23:p:16222-:d:1285789
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Norollah Javdaneh & Atle Hole Saeterbakken & Arash Shams & Amir Hossein Barati, 2021. "Pain Neuroscience Education Combined with Therapeutic Exercises Provides Added Benefit in the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-11, August.
    2. Ricardo Estrada, 2019. "Rules versus Discretion in Public Service: Teacher Hiring in Mexico," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 37(2), pages 545-579.
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