Seniority vs. Age in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain Among Preschool Educators

Nedonya Abreek Sarhan, David Ezra, Bilal Sarhan, Leonid Kalichman, Deborah Alperovitch-Najenson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To examine the impact of professional seniority compared to age on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in preschool educators, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic conditions nationwide. Methods: 310 preschool teachers and assistants from regular and special kindergartens completed the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, demographics, and job-related variables. Results: Significant effects of age-adjusted seniority on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in the neck, wrist/hand, and lower back regions were identified. For neck pain, age-adjusted seniority increased the odds by 9.2% for each additional year (OR=1.09, p=.015). Each additional year of seniority for hand/wrist pain raised the odds by 17.2% (OR=1.17, p<.001). Regarding the lower back, seniority increased the odds by 7.6% (OR=1.08, p=.040). Conclusion: Professional seniority, rather than age, is more strongly associated with MSP in the neck, hands/wrists, and lower back. The cumulative effects significantly contribute to MSP.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 1 Jan 2025

Keywords

  • Assistants
  • Ergonomics
  • Occupation
  • Prevention
  • Risk Factors
  • Teachers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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