Work-Related Health Problems Among Primary and Secondary School Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: It is generally assumed that teachers lead healthy lifestyles; meanwhile, due to their specific working conditions, they stand among occupational groups exposed to a wide variety of health hazards associated with their profession. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related health problems in the teaching profession of Shiraz, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 primary and secondary school teachers in Shiraz. The participants were chosen using a multi-stage sampling. On the basis of Subjective Health Complaints Inventory, a standard multi-section questionnaire was prepared for data collection. To analyze the data, chi-squared test was used in SPSS, version 19. Results: A total of 508 questionnaires were returned by the primary and secondary school teachers. The results showed that 94.7% (n = 468; 95% CI [91.5 - 95.8]) of the respondents suffered at least one type of the 38 single complaints during the previous 30 days. The 10 most frequently reported health complaints among the teachers were lower back pain, tiredness, leg pain, voice disorder, headache, neck pain, anxiety, shoulder pain, varicose veins of lower limbs, and sleep problems. The 5 most severe complaints were tiredness, leg pain, lower back pain, voice disorder, and headache. Conclusions: A wide variety of somatic health problems reported by studied teachers indicates the importance of preventive and rehabilitative measures rather than treatment. We hope that our results can raise the awareness of the government and respective organizations, such as the ministry of education to improve teachers’ working condition.