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

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed 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

A total of 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 = 0.015). Each additional year of seniority for hand/wrist pain raised the odds by 17.2% (OR = 1.17, P < 0.001). Regarding the lower back, seniority increased the odds by 7.6% (OR = 1.08, P = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Professional seniority, rather than age, is significantly associated with MSP in the neck, hands/wrists, and lower back. The cumulative effects significantly contribute to MSP.