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Ilaria Sottimano1, Sara Viotti, Gloria Guidetti
1University of Turin, Department of Psychology. ilaria.sottimano@unito.it.
La Medicina Del Lavoro
|November 1, 2018
Summary
Nursery school teachers experience significant musculoskeletal pain due to physically demanding tasks. Preventive measures are crucial, especially as the workforce ages, to address these occupational health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Public Health
Background:
- Nursery school teachers face unavoidable physical demands like lifting children and changing diapers.
- The aging workforce exacerbates the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in this profession.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychophysical health of nursery school teachers in North-Western Italy.
- To identify age-related health issues specific to this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- Medical examinations were conducted to identify musculoskeletal disorders.
- Self-administered questionnaires assessed awkward postures, work ability, and depression levels.
Main Results:
- Awkward postures, such as lifting (93.6%) and squatting (61.1%), are prevalent.
- Musculoskeletal pain, particularly cervical (63.3%) and lumbosacral (67.5%), is common.
- Work ability declines with age; depression prevalence was low (2%).
Conclusions:
- The study reveals critical issues in nursery school teachers' working conditions.
- Preventive measures should be implemented early in careers to support worker health effectively.