Ergonomic risks and musculoskeletal symptoms of teachers at a Federal Education Institution

Abstract

Mental and musculoskeletal disorders are the
main forms of illness among teachers. This study aimed
to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic
risk factors in classrooms and staff rooms across the
campuses of the Instituto Federal Catarinense (IFC). A
total of 112 teachers answered an online questionnaire
about sociodemographic information, tasks, work
environment, and musculoskeletal pain. Data were
analyzed using separate binary logistic regression models
for each outcome. The prevalence of pain was 93.7%,
and the most frequent regions were the neck, low back,
and right shoulder. The main workplace ergonomic risk
factors were stress, sharp edges, and a poorly adjusted
desk, monitor, and chair backrest. An association was
observed between low back pain, stress, the use of a data
projector, overweight/obesity, inadequate monitor height,
and a non-adjustable chair. There was an association
between neck pain, stress, lack of physical activity, and
an inadequate monitor and backrest. A relationship was
found between right shoulder pain, stress, blackboard
use, and standing posture during teaching. Conclusions:
the results support adapting the work environment for
teachers to prevent pain, improving both quality of life
and teaching.