DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are among the leading occupational health issues globally, particularly affecting professionals who maintain static postures or repetitive movements. University teachers, due to prolonged standing, poor ergonomics, and academic workload, are at elevated risk for MSK pain. This condition not only reduces work efficiency but also compromises quality of life. Investigating the prevalence and severity of MSK pain in this population is crucial to guiding preventive strategies and improving workplace ergonomics.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal pain among university teachers in Islamabad.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 among university teachers from private-sector institutions in Islamabad. A total of 123 participants were recruited using convenience sampling, following screening of 188 individuals based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire incorporating a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to assess pain over the past 12 months and 7 days, and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to determine pain intensity. Descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages, were calculated using SPSS version 25.
Results: The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was 81.3%. The most commonly affected site was the neck (50.4%), followed by the lower back (46.3%), upper back (31.7%), shoulders (30.9%), knees (17.1%), and hips/thighs (15.4%). Most participants reported pain of mild to moderate intensity, particularly in spinal regions.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among university educators in Islamabad, with the neck being the most frequently affected region. The findings highlight the need for ergonomic interventions and preventive strategies to reduce the occupational burden of MSK disorders in academic settings.