Neck and Shoulder Pain: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Omani School Teachers

Background: Neck and shoulder pain are prevalent occupational health issues among school teachers globally, impacting work performance and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with neck and shoulder pain among school teachers in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional study using chi-square and logistic regression analyses was conducted in March–April 2025 among 419 full-time school teachers in three Omani governorates. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, behavioral, physical, psychosocial, and health-related factors. Results: A high prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among participants was observed, with 98.3% reporting pain in the past 12 months. Chronic pain lasting over a year was reported by 59.7%, with 37.0% experiencing severe pain. Psychological job demands were high, with 62.8% reporting high levels of stress. Conclusions: The study did not find significant associations with physical risk factors, but highlighted the importance of broader determinants such as low physical activity, obesity, and lack of supervisory support in relation to chronic neck and shoulder pain among teachers.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of the Oman Medical Association
Published
2026-01-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/joma3010002
Primary Topic
Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
Type
article
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article

Neck and Shoulder Pain: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Omani School Teachers

Narasimman Swaminathan, Ahmed Ibrahim Al Kharusi, Maryam Musallam Salim Al-Harassi
Journal of the Oman Medical Association
Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
article

Neck and Shoulder Pain: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Omani School Teachers

Narasimman Swaminathan, Ahmed Ibrahim Al Kharusi, Maryam Musallam Salim Al-Harassi
article en

Abstract

Background: Neck and shoulder pain are prevalent occupational health issues among school teachers globally, impacting work performance and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with neck and shoulder pain among school teachers in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional study using chi-square and logistic regression analyses was conducted in March–April 2025 among 419 full-time school teachers in three Omani governorates. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, behavioral, physical, psychosocial, and health-related factors. Results: A high prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among participants was observed, with 98.3% reporting pain in the past 12 months. Chronic pain lasting over a year was reported by 59.7%, with 37.0% experiencing severe pain. Psychological job demands were high, with 62.8% reporting high levels of stress. Conclusions: The study did not find significant associations with physical risk factors, but highlighted the importance of broader determinants such as low physical activity, obesity, and lack of supervisory support in relation to chronic neck and shoulder pain among teachers.

Journal of the Oman Medical AssociationVol. 3(1)
University of Nizwa (OM)
Openalex Percentile: Top 96%
Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
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