Neck/Shoulder and Low Back Pain Prevalence and Related Factors Among School Teachers in Western Iran

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Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major health problems that cause disability and, as a result, have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals and also impose very high economic costs on countries School teachers are a professional group with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, especially in the lumbar, neck, and shoulder regions. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with neck/shoulder pain and low back pain among school teachers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Eslamabad-e Gharb City, located in western Iran, between May and June 2023. The study included 361 teachers selected from primary, secondary, and high schools in the city. Data collection was performed using two questionnaires designed to assess demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, occupational characteristics, and social-psychological exposures related to neck/shoulder and low back pain. The face validity of the questionnaires was evaluated by eight teachers. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS24 software, utilizing a binary logistic regression model. Results: A significant 63.4% of participants reported experiencing pain in the neck, shoulder, and lower back. Factors significantly associated with neck pain include: bachelor’s degree (OR=4.23, 95% CI=1.28–13.98), larger household size (OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.11–3.46), teaching in co-ed schools (OR=0.11, 95% CI=0.01–0.81), not maintaining a forward-bent neck posture for long periods (OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.20–0.80), and job satisfaction (OR=0.15, 95% CI=0.10-0.88). Factors significantly associated with shoulder pain include: bachelor’s degree (OR=4.22, 95% CI=1.31–13.60), sleep duration of[Formula: see text]9 h (OR=2.73, 95% CI=1.06–6.99), employment in a private school (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.05–4.28), and lack of support from colleagues (OR=2.47, 95% CI=1.04–5.85). Factors significantly associated with low back pain include: number of working[Formula: see text]10 h per week (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.01–1.60), avoiding prolonged forward bending of the neck (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.52–0.99), inappropriate desk and chair (OR=1.92, 95% CI=1.09–3.74), and job satisfaction (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.16–0.92). Conclusion: The findings stress the essential role of ergonomic practices, supportive work environments, and job satisfaction in reducing musculoskeletal disorders among teachers. Prioritizing ergonomic practices and fostering supportive work environments can significantly reduce musculoskeletal pain among teachers.