Musculoskeletal problems in academicians and related factors in Turkey

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Musculoskeletal problems are a common health problem with professional and ergonomic features. This study’s purpose was to investigate the musculoskeletal problems distribution and related factors among academicians.

METHODS:

This study was performed by using a personal and professional information questionnaire, the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form.

RESULTS:

The study was completed with 142 academicians (89 female, 53 male). Mean age was 39.91 $\pm$ 8.90 years, physical activity level was 1067.31 $\pm$ 1866.95 MET-minute/week, and work time was 13.73 $\pm$ 9.15 years. Neck and lower back pain were mostly seen in academicians and their incidence was equal (63.4%). The most experienced pain the previous year was neck pain (39.4%), and upper back pain is the most experienced pain today (19%). The body part that mostly caused the use of medication is neck pain (23%), and mostly caused limitation and sick-leave was low back in the past 12 months (respectively 19.7% and 9.2%). Gender, body mass index, weekly workload, physical activity level, and marital status have been determined to have an effect on musculoskeletal problems in academicians ( $p<$ 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The most common musculoskeletal problems reported by academicians were in the upper back and neck regions, which have low level physical activity.