Detección de la necesidad de tratamiento preventivo del dolor de espalda en los maestros

Abstract

Introduction and objective Neck and/or back pain (NBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that has become one of the greatest social and economic burdens afflicting teachers. The aim of the study was to determine the need for preventative healthcare among teachers. Material and methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in a Spanish province. Elementary and preschool teachers at all schools within the province participated. An anonymous self-administered ad hoc questionnaire written in Spanish including information about pain, sociodemographic and work data, lifestyle, treatments and perspectives on participation in health education programmes was used. Results 311 questionnaires were analysed. The current prevalence of NBP was 76.8%, female/male OR 2.99 [95%CI 1.66-5.36]). Fifty-nine percent had presented symptoms of NBP for more than 5 years. Also 22.6% had experienced some type of temporary disability due to NBP. No significant correlation was found between pain and age, grade level taught or type of teacher. Of all the respondents, 38.1% had received a medical diagnosis and 69.9% had received treatment at some point. Almost two thirds (60.9%) attributed their NPB to incorrect posture and 75.7% indicated a willingness to participate in a health education programme. Conclusions The high prevalence of NBP among teachers warrants the application of viable protocols for health education aimed at diminishing the incidence and intensity of pain among this professional group, improving their quality of life and professional productivity.