The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their relationship with the physical and mental health of retired teachers

Considering the vital role of teachers in the educational system, it is important to gather information about their health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their relationship with retired teachers' quality of life, physical health, and mental health.

This cross-sectional research was conducted in the first half of 2022 in Hamadan city. The statistical sample consisted of 96 retired teachers aged 45-70 years, who were purposefully selected. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was evaluated using the standardized Nordic questionnaire, while the quality of life and physical and mental healthwere assessed using the 12-item short-form survey (SF-12) and the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS-29). The research data were analyzed using an independent t-test with a significance level of 0.05.

The findings revealed that among retired teachers in Hamadan city, 82.3% reported experiencing at least one MSD, with a prevalence rate of 86% for female teachers and 78.3% for male teachers. The prevalence of MSDs varied across different body areas, withthe most commonly affected areas being the knee (54%), lower back (50%), shoulder (29%), and neck (24%). Furthermore, the research results demonstrated a significant negative association between MSDs and the quality of life, as well as the physical and psychological health of retired teachers (p<0.05). Teachers suffering from MSDs reported higher levels of pain intensity, pain interference, sleep disturbance, and fatigue compared to those who were not affected by MSDs (p<0.05).

The findings of the present study indicate that retired teachers commonly experience MSDs, which can adversely affect their quality of life, as well as their physical and psychological health. These MSDs contribute to pain interference, sleep disturbance, and fatigue among this group of teachers.