Knowledge and Practices of School Children and Teachers Regarding Musculoskeletal Problems: An Educational Intervention

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate knowledge and practices of school children and teachers regarding musculoskeletal problems. Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Setting: This study was carried out at two preparatory schools, Al Kholfaa Al Rashdean, and Al Shahid Ahmad Hamdy in El-Massera district, Helwan, Cairo Governorate. Sample: A stratified multi-stage cluster random sample was used for selection of 253 school children and all teachers in both selected schools who constitute 145 teachers. Data were collected through two main tools: I-An interviewing questionnaire to assess general characteristics of school children and teachers, school children weight, and history of musculoskeletal problems, school children and teachers' knowledge regarding musculoskeletal problems. II-Observational checklist to assess practice of school children and teachers regarding to school bag weight, lifting, carrying and favorable postures techniques during standing and sitting. Results of this study showed that there was highly statistically significant difference between pre, post and follow up after two months of implementation of an educational intervention on school children and teachers' knowledge and health practices regarding musculoskeletal problems and its’ prevention. Conclusion: An educational intervention is positively improved school children and teachers' knowledge and health practices regarding musculoskeletal problems among school children. Recommendation: Dissemination of an educational intervention improves school children and teachers' knowledge and health practices regarding musculoskeletal problems