Prevalence of low back pain and its risk factors among secondary school teachers at Bentong, Pahang

Title: Prevalence of low back pain and its risk factors among secondary school teachers at Bentong, Pahang Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of low back pain among Secondary School Teachers and to investigate the associated risk factors at Bentong, Pahang. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 260 subjects through random sampling in 5 secondary schools. Seven female teaches were excluded because they never meet with the inclusion criteria, where at the end of the study only 253 subjects was included. Result: In the study, I found that prevalence of low back pain is high among secondary school teachers. Female teachers reported a significantly higher prevalence of low back pain when compared to male teachers. And the middle age group of teachers has reported high prevalence of pain compare to the younger and older age group. The highest risk factor for the low back pain among teachers is prolong standing, followed by prolong sitting and working with computer. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of low back pain among school teachers with most female and middle age group people affected and they are related with highest risk factor. There is a need to develop specific strategies on ergonomics educate, regular physical exercises and occupational stress in the schools to reduce the occurrence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) of the low back pain among teachers.