Prevalence and assessment of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with job satisfaction among teachers in Sanandaj City

Soleimani  M; Khanpour  F; Darvishi  E; Rashadmanesh  N; Khanpour  F

doi:10.18502/tkj.v17i4.20928

Soleimani M Department of Environmental Health, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Khanpour F Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Educational Affairs , Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Darvishi E Faculty of Health, Department of Environmental Health, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Rashadmanesh N MSc in Biostatistics, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Khanpour F PhD Student in Psychology, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v17i4.20928

Keywords: Job satisfaction, Musculoskeletal disorders, Teachers

Abstract

Introduction: Teachers are among the occupational groups at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and are considered at high risk for such conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with job satisfaction among teachers in Sanandaj City during the academic year 2020–2021.

Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. The statistical population included all teachers at the elementary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels in Sanandaj City. The city was divided into five regions (north, south, east, west, and central); five schools were randomly selected from each region using a cluster sampling method. A total of 300 teachers completed the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed via SPSS v.23. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentages) were employed for prevalence estimates; Pearson correlation, ANOVA, t-test, and equivalent non-parametric tests were applied for hypothesis testing; while Chi-square tests examined categorical variables.

Results: The musculoskeletal disorders prevalence among teachers was 80%, while the highest rates in the lower back (60%) and neck (40%). Mean job satisfaction was at a moderate level (2.64%). Chi-square analysis showed no significant relationship among job satisfaction, gender, education, marital status and income (p>0.05), while a significant association existed between job satisfaction and the presence of musculoskeletal disorders (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the level of job satisfaction among teachers is moderate and musculoskeletal disorders-particularly in the back and neck- significantly reduced satisfaction. Preventive programs and ergonomic interventions are recommended to enhance teachers’ job satisfaction.