RELATIONSHIP OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS WITH THE HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF TEACHERS IN THE MUNICIPAL AND STATE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and the perception of health and quality of life of teachers in the municipal school system. Methods: A total of 126 kindergarten, elementary and high school teachers from 32 municipal and state schools in the municipality of Videira, located in the Midwest of Santa Catarina, participated in the study. MSDs were assessed with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire (NSQ), global health with the Global Teacher Health Assessment Questionnaire, and quality of life with the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire. Results: the frequency of MSD in the last 12 months and 7 days before the survey was 35.8% and 14.4%, respectively, and the most affected regions were the neck, shoulders, lower and upper back. Their perception of overall health was good and they were satisfied with their quality of life. The burnout domain and the environment domain had the worst scores compared to the other health and quality of life domains (p<0.05). MSDs were associated with teachers' perception of global health and quality of life (p<0.01). Conclusion: the perception of health and quality of life of teachers in the municipal and state education system are related to MSD.