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BMC Public Health

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Neck/shoulder pain and low back pain among school teachers in China, prevalence and risk factors

Authors: Pengying Yue, Fengying Liu, Liping Li

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

School teachers represent an occupational group among which there appears to be a high prevalence of neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP). Epidemiological data on NSP and LBP in Chinese teachers are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for NSP and LBP among primary, secondary and high school teachers.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study of teachers from 7 schools, information on participant demographics, work characteristics, occupational factors and musculoskeletal symptoms and pain were collected.

Results

Among 893 teachers, the prevalence of NSP and LBP was 48.7% and 45.6% respectively. There was significant association between the level and prevalence of NSP and LBP among teachers in different schools. The prevalence of NSP among female teachers was much higher than that for males. Self-reported NSP was associated with physical exercise (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.86), prolonged standing (1.74, 1.03 to 2.95), sitting (1.76, 1.23 to 2.52) and static posture (2.25, 1.56 to 3.24), and uncomfortable back support (1.77, 1.23 to 2.55). LBP was more consistently associated with twisting posture (1.93, 1.30 to 2.87), uncomfortable back support (1.62, 1.13 to 2.32) and prolonged sitting (1.42, 1.00 to 2.02) and static posture (1.60, 1.11 to 2.31).

Conclusions

NSP and LBP are common among teachers. There were strong associations with different individual, ergonomic, and occupational factors.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/789/prepub

Title: Neck/shoulder pain and low back pain among school teachers in China, prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Pengying Yue
Fengying Liu
Liping Li
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-789

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Neck/shoulder pain and low back pain among school teachers in China, prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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