Factors associated with self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among preschool teachers in Turkey

Abstract

Background

Self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (SRMSs) are common occupational health problems, particularly among preschool teachers due to physical and psychosocial demands. However, data on their prevalence and associated factors in Turkey are limited to a few studies.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of SRMSs and associated psychosocial factors among Turkish preschool teachers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 304 preschool teachers in Turkey. The Expanded Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of SRMSs in the previous 4 weeks (SRMSs-4w) and the previous 12 months (SRMSs-12m). Depression levels were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 scale (SF-36), physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

The prevalence of SRMSs-12m and SRMSs-4w among Turkish preschool teachers was 57.2% and 54.9%, respectively. SRMSs-12m and SRMSs-4w were most commonly reported in the neck (35.5% and 34.9%), lower back (34.9% and 32.2%), shoulders (30.3% and 26.6%), and upper back (25.7% and 20.7%). BDI, SF-36 (energy/fatigue, pain, general health), PSQI, and IPAQ-SF were independently associated with 4-week SRMSs, while BDI, SF-36 (pain, general health), and PSQI were independently associated with 12-month SRMSs (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results showed a high prevalence of SRMSs among Turkish preschool teachers. SRMS prevalence was highest in the neck, lower back and shoulder regions. Furthermore, this study demonstrated associations between depression levels, quality of life, sleep quality, physical activity level, and SRMSs in preschool teachers.