Predictors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Primary School Teachers in Machakos County, Kenya
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Date
2019
Authors
Ndawa, Ancent Ndonye
Nyamari, Jackim Matara
Ireri, Anthony Muriithi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Prevention and Treatment
Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders refer to a broad range degenerative and inflammatory conditions that
affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, nerves, and the localized blood circulation systems. Despite there being
significant literature about musculoskeletal disorders among teachers in other parts of the world, Kenya lags behind in
research. The current studies point out to high workloads and stress levels among primary school teachers because of an
increase in the teacher-pupil ratio. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence as well as person and
work-related predictors to musculoskeletal disorders among Kenyan primary school teachers in Machakos County. Methods:
This study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect data from 302 randomly selected teachers. Data was collected using a
questionnaire and an observation checklist. It was analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression analysis and expressed as
odds ratio. Results: The prevalence at any site of the body was 85.10% with lower back, knees, neck, and ankles being the
most affected body sites at 58.60%, 57.6%, 53.3%, and 53% respectively. The least affected body part was the elbows at
25.2%. The positively associated risk factors were age, teaching for over four hours while standing, teaching for over four
hours while sitting, working on a head-down posture, and lack of back support on chairs. MSDs prevented teachers from
carrying their normal activities with lower back trouble topping in this respect at 23.8%. Conclusion: Generally, this study
reveals that musculoskeletal disorders are very common among primary school teachers in Machakos County, Kenya.
Among the recommendations is the need to regulate the number of lessons per teacher, number of pupils per class, and
provide chairs and benches for teachers among others.
Description
An Article Published in International Journal of Prevention and Treatment
Keywords
Musculoskeletal disorders, Risk factors, Prevalence, Pain/discomfort, Health, Teachers, Sitting, Standing, Postures