Aim: To develop a self-rating ergonomic questionnaire (physical and psychosocial) in the working environment of preschool teachers; to examine its reliability and face validity; to evaluate the association between ergonomic factors (the developed questionnaire) and WMSDs among preschool teachers.
Preschool teachers were randomly selected from a Ministry of Education list, including 318 employees from various kindergartens. Participants completed an online questionnaire covering demographics, musculoskeletal pain, and occupational conditions, and rated 73 items/statements collected from the literature and interviews of preschool teachers, which include common body positions/tasks and psychosocial risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor and principal component analyses. Reliability was tested with test-retest, Cronbach's alpha, and Pearson correlation.
In the developed questionnaire (Preschool Teacher's Ergonomic Risk Factors Questionnaire- PEQ), 46 items remained, organized into five distinct categories: (1) the psychosocial category (15 items); (2) the physical category (11 items): (3) the Caregiver-Child Interaction category (10 items); (4) the Subjective Difficulties category (5 items); and (5) the Ergonomic Environmental Limitations category (5 items). All five categories demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach’s Alpha values ranging from 0.814 to 0.953. The test-retest reliability for each factor was nearly perfect, surpassing an ICC value of 0.97. Notably, no significant differences were observed between the questionnaire administrations, affirming its stability and consistency across time. Logistic regression analysis revealed the association between our categories and relevant musculoskeletal pain. Group F1 showed a significant association with LBP, indicating a 43.5% increase in the odds of experiencing pain (Exp(B) = 1.435). This model explained 15% of the variance (R² = 0.150). While, Group F5 had a significant association with foot pain, indicating a 390.7% increase in the odds of pain (Exp(B) = 4.907). This model explained 29.6% of the variance (R² = 0.296).
We developed the PEQ to assess physical and psychosocial ergonomic risk factors in the work environment of preschool teachers and assistants. Our tool was found reliable and useful in identifying ergonomic (physical and psychosocial) risk factors impacting preschool teachers. Addressing these aspects highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve well-being and reduce occupational strains among these subjects. Future studies should explore these findings across diverse demographics and regions for broader applicability to further validate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions informed by the PEQ in reducing WMSDs and enhancing the overall well-being of kindergarten staff.
The PEQ findings identify key ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors leading to musculoskeletal disorders among preschool teachers. Physiotherapists can leverage this data to create targeted interventions, such as customized ergonomic adjustments and specific exercises, to prevent and alleviate pain.
Work Environment; Questionnaire
Preschool teachers
