Association of musculoskeletal pain with poor sleep quality in public school teachers

The association between musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

To systematically investigate the association between musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy and birth outcomes including caesarean section, newborn birthweight, newborn birth length, and gestational age at birth.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cinahl and Scopus were systematically searched to identify eligible studies. Odds ratios, mean differences, and confidence intervals were used to describe results. Risk of Bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. GRADE (The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) was used to assess the quality of each outcome.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included with a total population of 85,991 participants. There is low- quality evidence that pregnant women with musculoskeletal pain had 1.59 greater odds to experience delivery by caesarean section compared to those without musculoskeletal pain ([OR] 1.59, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.09 to 2.31). Both newborn birth weight (Mean Difference [MD] 77.79 g, 95 % [CI] -23.09 to 178.67) and newborn birth length ([MD] 0.55 cm, 95 % [CI] -0.47 to 1.56) were not affected by musculoskeletal pain, with very low-quality and low-quality evidence, respectively. There was moderate evidence that pregnant women with musculoskeletal pain had shorter gestational age (weeks), although the effect was small and possibly not clinically relevant ([MD] -0.41, 95 % [CI] -0.41 to -0.07).

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women experiencing musculoskeletal pain are at greater odds of delivering their babies via caesarean than those without musculoskeletal pain, however, musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy does not appear to affect newborn birth weight, length, or gestational age at birth.

Analysis of the association between high workload and musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers according to physical activity level

BACKGROUND

A high workload has been associated with musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers. However, the hypothesis of the present study was that physical activity (PA) practice is able to attenuate this association.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the associations between high workload with musculoskeletal pain according to PA levels in public school teachers.

METHODS

Teachers (n = 239) from 13 public schools were evaluated. Workload was assessed using a Likert scale in which teachers reported their perception of their work routine as: very low, low, regular, high, and very high. Musculoskeletal pain and PA were assessed using questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of high workload with PA levels and musculoskeletal pain in different body regions, compared to participants with normal workload, adjusted by sex, age, and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

A high workload was associated with higher chances of reporting pain in the wrists and hands (OR = 3.55; 95% CI = 1.27-9.89), knee (OR = 3.09; 95CI%  = 1.09-8.82), and feet and ankles (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.03-9.76) in less active teachers. However, these associations were not observed in teachers considered more active.

CONCLUSION

PA practice is able to act as a good protector against musculoskeletal pain in teachers, even in individuals with a high workload.

Burnout Syndrome and Sleep Quality in Basic Education Teachers in Mexico

Burnout syndrome (BS) is the result of chronic stress in the workplace. Moreover, chronic stress can affect sleep. A unidirectional relationship has been established between burnout and sleep, and it is known that white-collar workers with burnout syndrome have sleep fragmentation and marked daytime sleepiness.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between burnout and sleep quality in elementary school teachers in Mexico.

METHODS

We collected data from more than 400 teachers who completed tests. Correlation analyses controlled for anxiety and depression, and Poisson logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships of burnout with sleep quality, depression, and anxiety.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between burnout syndrome (mainly in the dimension of emotional exhaustion) and sleep disturbances; significant correlations were also observed with other burnout, depression, and anxiety dimensions. The strength of the correlations decreased after controlling for depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

The symptoms of burnout syndrome in teachers can overlap with sleep disorders, so it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis to differentiate burnout syndrome from depression and anxiety, among others.

A Scoping Study of Insomnia Symptoms in School Teachers

OBJECTIVES

Although the demands and stress of teaching are generally recognized, little is known about the prevalence and nature of insomnia symptoms in teachers. This scoping study investigated the following questions: How prevalent are insomnia symptoms in teachers? What biopsychosocial variables are associated with insomnia symptoms in teachers? What, if any, interventions for insomnia symptoms in teachers have been studied?

METHOD

We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Education Source, and ERIC for original peer-reviewed research on school teachers (kindergarten through high school) and insomnia symptoms (self-reported trouble falling or staying asleep).

RESULTS

We identified 33 relevant articles from 15 countries. The literature was heterogeneous and generally of low quality with respect to the measurement of insomnia. Based on studies that met validity and reliability criteria, 36-61% of teachers reported insomnia symptoms. Associated factors included: being female, classroom violence, low job satisfaction, pain, depression, and rumination. One online intervention, which included stimulus control, sleep restriction, and techniques for reducing rumination, provided evidence of efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Despite the importance of teachers and their work, high-quality research on insomnia in teachers is lacking. Research in this area is sorely needed. Studies should investigate insomnia symptoms over the school year, identify antecedents of insomnia, and develop interventions with the ultimate goals of understanding, preventing, and treating insomnia symptoms in teachers.

Prevalence, Patterns, and Risk Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Diseases Among Teachers in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Community-Based Retrospective Cross-Sectional Survey

Background and objective Work-related musculoskeletal diseases (WMSDs) are one of the most common occupational health concerns among teachers. They refer to a variety of degenerative and inflammatory disorders that can be triggered by the work environment of the people affected. Teachers' health is substantially significant as it impacts their productivity at work. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, patterns, implications, and risk factors of WMSDs among teachers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods This study involved a survey based on a cross-sectional questionnaire that was distributed to 404 random school teachers located in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Information such as sociodemographic characteristics, workplace characteristics, characteristics of WMSDs experienced, associated factors, and impact of the symptoms experienced was collected. Questions related to symptoms were obtained from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (ÖMPSQ). The collected data were then analyzed using the SPSS Statistics version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Among the participants, back pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain were the most reported symptoms of WMSDs in the past 12 months, while elbow pain was the least experienced; 41.1% had pain, discomfort, or numbness that prevented them from performing regular daily activities. The regression analysis revealed a relationship between moderate to severe pain and a pain duration of more than 12 months (p=0.001). Additionally, those who were able to perform lighter work and were not having depression had a low probability of pain persistence and were able to carry out their usual work while experiencing pain (p=0.002). Conclusions In the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, WMSDs were commonly reported by school teachers. The prevalence of WMSDs among teachers was 41.1%. The pain was described as disabling and causing a negative impact on performance. The most common locations of symptoms were the back, shoulder, and knees. Risk factors for severe pain were female gender, sleeping for six to seven hours, and pain located in the neck shoulder, elbow, hand, thigh/hips, back, knees, and ankles. Furthermore, severe pain was associated with pain duration of more than 12 months, affecting sleep, causing anxiety, and mild depression. The impact of severe pain seriously affected the daily activities of teachers.

Occupational Risk of Technostress Related to the Use of ICT among Teachers in Spain

Teachers are frequently exposed to several occupational risks. The continuous use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) represents a potential source of technostress among teachers. The aim of the current research is to evaluate the technostress levels of school and high school teachers in Spain. The methodology applied in the manuscript, namely the staticized group technique was based on an expert panel. Results showed high levels of technostress in both dimensions (techno-anxiety and techno-fatigue). Experts highlighted the relationship between administrative tasks and technostress. More rational and efficient distribution of the workload associated with administrative obligations of the teachers, could reduce the level of technostress in the education sector. Results from the current research can help to improve working conditions of teachers considering the findings to design preventive strategies adapted to the profile of teachers and their organization. Some policy interventions such as occupational safety training, institutional technical support, and computer training programs could reduce the levels of technostress and mitigate associated negative impacts concerning the occupational health of teachers.

Influence Variables in Occupational Injuries among Men Teachers

Background: Occupational accidents suffered by male teachers can be a source of injury to different parts of the body and can lead to absence from work. However, there are only a limited number of studies focused on this topic; the current research evaluates the influence of the main variables associated with occupational injuries among male teachers. Methods: Logistic regression based on the calculation of the odds ratio (OR) was used on a sample of 42,878 occupational accidents suffered by male teachers in the period 2003–2018. Results: Male teachers under 45 years of age with less than one year of experience obtained better results for most types of injury. In contrast, those older than 45 years and with more experience obtained worse results. Conclusions: No single variable was detected with the same protective or risk effect through the different parts of the body injured. Teachers’ safety training adapted to risk profiles and injuries could improve accident rates in the education sector.

Bidirectional associations between chronic low back pain and sleep quality: A cohort study with schoolteachers

AIMS

Although both chronic low back pain (cLBP) and sleep problems are prevalent among active workers, the relation between these variables is not well established. This study aimed to examine the bidirectional association between cLBP and sleep in schoolteachers.

METHODS

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and cLBP were self-reported by 530 schoolteachers in Londrina, Brazil, at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and mental health variables.

RESULTS

Poor sleep quality at baseline was associated with cLBP at follow-up after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables (OR=1.61; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=1.06, 2.47). Changes in the PSQI score over time were also associated with a higher likelihood of cLBP at follow-up (OR=1.13; 95% CI=1.07, 1.20 for each 1-point increase in the PSQI score), regardless of mental health condition. cLBP at baseline was associated with worse sleep quality at follow-up after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables (OR=1.56; 95% CI=1.02, 2.37). The presence of cLBP also changed the PSQI score over time (ß coefficient=1.153; 95% CI=0.493, 1.814).

CONCLUSIONS

Worse sleep quality was prospectively and bidirectionally associated with cLBP. Concretely, changes in PSQI values after 2 years of follow-up increased the likelihood of reporting cLBP, and baseline cLBP was associated with sleep quality worsening (i.e., higher score in the PSQI). Mental health conditions such as self-rated health, depression and anxiety play a relevant confounding role in the bidirectional associations between sleep and chronic low back pain.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated with Occupational Driving: A Systematic Review Spanning 2006–2021

Several occupations require workers to spend long periods of time driving road vehicles. This occupational task is associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this review was to collate, synthesize, and analyze research reporting on musculoskeletal disorders associated with occupational driving, in order to develop a volume of evidence to inform occupational disorder mitigation strategies. A systematic search of academic databases (PubMed, EBSCO host, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was performed using key search terms. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. A Cohen’s kappa analysis was used to determine interrater agreement between appraisers. Of the 18,254 identified studies, 25 studies were selected and appraised. The mean critical appraisal score is 69% (range 38–100%), with a fair level of agreement (k = 0.332). The studies report that musculoskeletal disorders, most commonly lower back pain, is of concern in this population, particularly in truck, bus, and taxi drivers. Risk factors for these occupations include long hours in a sitting position, years in the profession, vehicle ergonomics, and vibration.

Occupational Traffic Accidents among Teachers in Spain

Occupational traffic accidents are a leading cause of injuries or deaths among workers. Teachers in Spain are especially concerned about the problem of commuting due to their particular labor conditions. Multiple work-related factors are associated with the risk and severity of occupational traffic-related motor vehicle crashes. The objective of this research is to analyze the influence of the variables associated with the severity of occupational traffic accidents among teachers in Spain. A logistic regression model was used for the current study. The odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated for the injured worker on a sample of 20,190 occupational traffic accidents suffered by teachers. The results showed that women, Spanish nationality, younger than 55 years, and those driving a car were more likely to suffer a light crash. In contrast, men, foreign nationalities, older than 55 years, and those riding a motorbike were more likely to suffer a serious crash. Based on these findings, motor vehicle safety training could be designed and adapted to the riskiest profiles. Additionally, effective mobility plans for commuting could help reduce work-related traffic accidents.

Low back pain and its correlations with poor sleep quality among health care providers

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal Disorders Associated With Quality of Life and Body Composition in Urban and Rural Public School Teachers

Introduction: Teachers have been reported to be a labor group with high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), stress, and strong deterioration of quality of life (QoL). However, little information exists about the association between MSD, QoL, and body composition in rural and urban teachers.

Objective: The aim was to study the association of MSD with QoL perception and body composition of urban and rural teachers.

Participants and Methods: Participants are comprised a representative sample of urban and rural public schoolteachers from the Valparaiso Region, Chile. MSDs were evaluated with the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for Musculoskeletal Symptoms validated for the Chilean population. QoL perception was evaluated with the 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36). Body composition was measured via bioimpedance. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between MSD, QoL, and body composition, adjusted for age and gender.

Results: A total of 88.9% (urban 90%; rural 87%) of teachers felt pain in some body area, 71.2% of them with limitations; 39% of teachers presented body fat obesity, with the highest rate in rural women. The body area with the greatest MSD prevalence was the neck and shoulders (68.6%). Significant differences were observed between teachers with >p75 of MSD (over six pain regions) and those with ≤p75 (six or fewer painful regions; p < 0.05) on six QoL scales and on physical health components (PCSs) and mental health (MCS) in urban teachers. However, rural teachers presented no differences. The association between teachers with >p75 MSD and low QoL perception was significant (p < 0.05) in PCS and MCS. Furthermore, the regression model presents a significant association between rural areas and low PCS perception.

Conclusions: Urban and rural teachers present high rates of MSD and obesity. Teachers with higher rates of MSD have their mental and physical QoL affected, making workplace intervention in MSD necessary to prevent teacher health deterioration.