Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Secondary School Teachers: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) constitute a significant occupational hazard among school teachers due to non-ergonomic teaching environments and prolonged static postures. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to determine the 12-month prevalence of MSDs across different anatomical regions among secondary school teachers and evaluate their impact on daily functioning. A total of 50 randomly selected secondary school teachers from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, participated in the study. Data were collected using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess musculoskeletal symptoms experienced during the previous 12 months and the last 7 days, along with their effects on activities of daily living (ADL). The findings revealed that the highest 12-month prevalence of self-reported MSD symptoms was in the shoulders (80%, n = 40), followed by the upper back (50%, n = 25), neck (40%, n = 20), and lower back (40%, n = 20). In terms of functional limitations, 80% (n = 40) of participants reported that knee pain prevented them from performing normal daily activities, while 60% (n = 30) experienced similar restrictions due to lower back pain. The study concludes that secondary school teachers have a high prevalence of upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders, particularly affecting the shoulders, upper back, and neck. However, disorders involving weight-bearing regions, especially the knees and lower back, contribute most significantly to functional impairment. These findings highlight the need for targeted ergonomic interventions, workplace modifications, and preventive physical therapy programs to reduce the burden of MSDs and improve teachers' occupational health and quality of life.