Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health

Saravanan Murugan ¹, Prerana Saravanan ², Divya Mistry ³, Jinal Modi ³, Juveriya Noorani ³, Pooja Virani ³

Affiliations
1 Associate Professor, The Sarvajanik College of Physiotherapy, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat - 395003, Gujarat, IN
2 Lecturer, The Sarvajanik College of Physiotherapy, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat - 395003, Gujarat, IN
3 Graduate Physiotherapists, The Sarvajanik College of Physiotherapy, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat - 395003, Gujarat, IN

Abstract

Introduction: Reports from WHO states low back pain and neck pain as top musculoskeletal disorders that has brought enormous global burden among school children. This study aimed to determine and understand prevalence, pattern of musculoskeletal pain and quality of life in population sample under the age of 18 years. Methods: This study was conducted on 500 school students in age group of 10-17 years. Self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms of students and region of body involved were obtained. Common factors which students perceived as responsible for musculoskeletal pain were included as part of the questionnaire along with hours of physical activity at and after school. Most commonly performed recreational activities at home was included to obtain details on sedentary lifestyle behavior of students. Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was assessed by 23 item-four multidimensional scale, the Pediatrics Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core scales for students and teens. It included four dimensions-Physical functioning, Emotional functioning, Social functioning and School functioning. Results: Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was found to be 23.4%. Shoulder was commonly involved followed by neck and lower back. 46.2% students felt inappropriate bag weight followed by prolonged sitting to be the common factors for pain. Watching television and playing mobile games as sedentary activities, occupied most of the time after school. Weak associations were observed between gender and presence of symptoms. Analysis of PedsQL showed better quality of life among students in total scores and sub scores. Discussion: Higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms observed in school students and adolescents and risk factors analysis, as observed in this study highlights the importance to device appropriate measures to prevent these symptoms.

Keywords

Health Related Quality of Life, Musculoskeletal Pain, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, School Students

Full Text

   

Saravanan Murugan ¹, Prerana Saravanan ², Disha Avaiya ², Ibrahim Bawa ², Charmi Shah ², Ekta Vaghasiya ²

Affiliations
1 Shree Bharatimaiya College of Optometry and Physiotherapy, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat - 395007, Gujarat, IN
2 Sarvajanik College of Physiotherapy, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat - 395003, Gujarat, IN

Abstract

Introduction: School teachers have high prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders which decrease productivity at work due to sick leave and absenteeism. In India, more traditional methods of teaching are used as compared to other countries, and this difference encouraged us to determine prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, risk factors and coping strategies adopted by teachers. Methods: A self-administered Questionnaire was distributed to 810 particcipants. 567 responses were received out of which 30 questionnaires were incomplete. The self-administered Questionnaire included 31 questions under 5 categories: General Profile, Occupational profile, Health/Musculoskeletal pain profile, Perceived risk factors and Coping Strategies. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, frequency were calculated for continuous and categorical variables respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of musculoskeletal symptoms with demograpic factors and working conditions. Results: 112 (20.9%) reported having musculoskeletal pain. Low back (48.2%) was commonly affected. 50.9% had chronic pain and 71.4% reported pain interfered with occupational routine. 48.2% reported with sleep disturbances. Commonly percieved factor was standing for prolonged periods (76.8%). Risk factor analysis using logistic regression model on cause of pain showed statistical significance (χ2 (27)=77.169, p<0.005). Females were 3.952 times more likely to exhibit pain than males (OR 3.952, 95% CI 1.694- 9.217). Commonly reported coping strategy was visiting a Physiotherapist (44.6%). While 33% coped up with pain using prescribed analgesics, none of them opted to rest. Despite high prevalence and severity, only 17% had frequented absenteism to work by taking sick leave. Discussion: Prevalence rate of musculoskeletal pain was found to be higher among school teachers as per the results of this present study. Prevalence and risk factor perceptions of school teachers as reported in this study can be of significance in understanding and addressing these factors and appropriate measures to prevent and overcome them can be devised based on these results. Since the risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms can be multifactorial in nature, the results of this present study need to be correlated with all possible mechanisms related to this population and further studies to determine the effectiveness of appropriate ergonomic modifications should be taken into consideration.

Keywords

Activities of Daily Living, Coping Strategies, Risk Factors, Teachers, Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Full Text