Work related musculoskeletal disorder in teachers of superior university Lahore
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/399ppm39Keywords:
Cross-Sectional Studies; Faculty; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Occupational Diseases; Prevalence; Surveys and QuestionnairesAbstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common occupational health problems among teachers and may interfere with daily activities and work performance. Evidence from university teaching populations in Pakistan remains limited.
Objective: To determine the distribution of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among teachers of Superior University Lahore.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over three months among teachers at Superior University Lahore. A sample of 98 teachers was selected from a population of 195 by simple random sampling. Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, and mean with standard deviation.
Results: The mean age of participants was 32.60 ± 8.77 years. During the previous 12 months, shoulder symptoms were most frequent (36/98, 36.7%), followed by neck (26/98, 26.5%), upper back (20/98, 20.4%), and lower back symptoms (19/98, 19.4%). Shoulder symptoms most often prevented normal activities (19/98, 19.4%) and prompted physician consultation (15/98, 15.3%). During the previous 7 days, shoulder (30/98, 30.6%), neck (26/98, 26.5%), knee (21/98, 21.4%), and lower back symptoms (19/98, 19.4%) were most frequent.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal symptoms were present across multiple body regions among university teachers, with the shoulder and neck showing the highest 12-month and recent symptom frequencies. Workplace ergonomic assessment and preventive strategies focusing on upper-quarter and spinal loading are warranted.
Keywords: Cross-Sectional Studies; Faculty; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Occupational Diseases; Prevalence; Surveys and Questionnaires
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ishrat Liaqat, Dr Aziz Subhani, Dr. Muhammad Umar, Dr. Waqas Ashraf Chaudhry, Dr. Sarwat Nazir (Author)
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