Prevalence and associate risk factors of upper limb disorders in school teachers in Semnan (Iran)

Upper limb disorder is a common musculoskeletal deficiency in some occupational groups. In spite of its frequency in occupational groups, the study of prevalence and risk factors for upper limb disorder (ULD) in Iranian teachers is limited. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and risk factors for ULD and to investigate the association of individual and occupational characteristics with the prevalence of ULD in school teachers in Semnan.
This study was performed by a cross-sectional method. Regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 586 teachers were randomly chosen from 22 primary and high schools in Semnan, Iran. Required data including personal and occupational characteristics, pain intensity, health status and the prevalence and risk factors of ULD were collected using different questionnaires.
The prevalence rates of ULD at the time of study, last month, last 6 months, annual, and lifetime were; 46.4%, 50.2%, 57.3%, 60%, and 62.6%, respectively. The prevalence of waist pain in teachers was more than shoulder and elbow pain. The prevalence of ULD was significantly associated with age, gender, and length of employment (P Prevalence of ULD in school teachers in Semnan was high. Factors such as age, gender, length of employment, and work-related activities developed significantly ULD in school teachers