The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and its risk factors among primary school teachers in Losong, Terengganu

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent one of the most common and important occupational health problems in working populations, being responsible for a substantial impact on the quality of life. School teachers represent an occupational group, among which there appears to be a high prevalence of MSDs. In Malaysia, few studies are focusing on MSDs and its risk factors among school teachers, but in Terengganu, there is only one data available on previous study for MSDs among school teachers. The study aims to determine the prevalence of MSDs and associated risk factors among primary school teachers in Losong, Kuala Terengganu. A cross sectional study was conducted in two primary schools in the Losong, Terengganu. 53 respondents who fulfilled the study criteria volunteered to participate in the study. A questionnaire was used to determine the demographic and occupational information. To investigate the MSDs among school teachers, they were interviewed with the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire (SNMQ). The findings indicate that the feet was the most affected location of the body during the past 12 months, with 66.0% and 41.5% for the past 7 days. The most significant risk factors that associated with body parts (neck, shoulder, hands) were repeated motion, weighed load in awkward posture and the reached hands farther than normal. A high prevalence of MSDs can be due to a substantial lack of awareness and practice of ergonomics, which warrant the development of preventive strategies and educational programs.