Standing, sitting, suffering: prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among school teachers in Terengganu, Malaysia

Every successful classroom has a committed teacher at its core, but many teachers suffer in silence from the physical strain of their work. Despite their detrimental effects on performance and well-being, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have appeared as a hidden epidemic among school teachers. The prevalence and predictors of MSDs among 200 primary and secondary school teachers in Terengganu, Malaysia, were examined in this study. A validated questionnaire was used to gather demographic, occupational, and MSD-related data from the standardised Nordic Questionnaire in this cross-sectional survey. There was a high prevalence of MSD (35.6%, n=71), with the most affected areas being the neck (40.5%, n=81), knees (36.0%, n=72), and shoulders (36.0%, n=72). Pain in the neck (OR=4.17, p<0.001), shoulders (OR=4.72, p<0.001), and upper back (OR=2.59, p<0.001) was substantially more common in female teachers. On the other hand, men were more likely to experience knee pain (OR=2.28, p<0.05) and hand pain (OR=2.90, p<0.05). Significantly, overweight status and age between 30-39 years were paradoxically associated with pain and discomfort in the upper back (OR=5.10, p<0.05) and arm (OR=5.36, p<0.05). This study draws attention to MSDs, a serious but little-known occupational health issue that affects educators. Educational institutions urgently need to implement more focused ergonomic interventions and enhance workplace design in schools. Resolving these problems supports sustainability goals by advocating for healthier working conditions for school teachers in school settings.

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