DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain and functional limitation, particularly in occupations involving prolonged standing. Teachers, due to extended periods of weight-bearing activities, are at an increased risk of developing this condition. Although plantar fasciitis has been widely studied in various professions, limited data are available on its prevalence among primary school teachers in Pakistan. Understanding its occupational and demographic associations is essential for targeted prevention and management strategies.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of plantar fasciitis and its association with demographic and occupational factors among female primary school teachers in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2022 on 243 female primary school teachers recruited from government and private schools using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Inclusion criteria comprised teachers aged 24–65 years, with at least one year of teaching experience and heel pain. Those who were pregnant or had medical conditions, heel spurs, or recent foot injuries were excluded. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, incorporating demographic details, occupational characteristics, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Plantar Fasciitis Pain and Disability Scale (PFPS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations.
Results: The mean age of participants was 38.15 ± 9.3 years, with 55.5% aged 24–35 years. The mean PFPS score was 40.57 ± 11.48. Plantar fasciitis prevalence was 75.2%, and heel pain was reported by 86.4% of participants. Moderate pain on VAS was most common (56.4%). Significant associations were found between plantar fasciitis and age (p = 0.036) and BMI (p = 0.042), while standing duration and footwear type showed no association.
Conclusion: Plantar fasciitis was highly prevalent among young female primary school teachers, with most experiencing moderate heel pain. Age and BMI were significant associated factors, emphasizing the need for targeted workplace interventions.