Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: February | Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 117-124
Physical and Self-Perceived Occupational Stress Associated with Work from Home Situation in Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jui Vijay Bane1, Sheetal Aurangabadkar2, Asmita Karajgi3
1Assistant Professor, The SIA College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy; Dombivli.
2Assistant Professor, The SIA College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy; Dombivli.
3Professor and Head, The SIA College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy; Dombivli.
Corresponding Author: Jui Vijay Bane
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 related lockdown has led to changes in lifestyle and physical activity of teachers. The objective of this study was to analyze the presence of musculoskeletal and self-perceived occupational stress in teachers during the Work From Home (WFH) situation because of the lockdown. An online, cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 73 teachers. The outcome measures used were the Nordic pain questionnaire and perceived occupational stress during online teaching using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey revealed that 61.6% (45) of the teachers experienced musculoskeletal pain in last 3 months of the lockdown. Lower back pain was found in 19% (45) teachers followed by neck pain 17% (41); shoulder pain 14% and upper back pain 12% (30). Among the factors causing occupational stress 16% (25) teachers strongly agreed that lack of assessment of students and conducting exams was a major cause for stress. 12% (18) teachers strongly agreed that communication during the online classes was a major concern and also the general distress due to the pandemic condition and the fear of infection also caused stress during the lockdown period. 13% (27) teachers were not satisfied with the lecture quality and 12% (25) teachers agreed that having no experience in online teaching was one of the reasons for occupational stress. Thus, these factors should be considered when implementing remedial and wellness program for teachers to improve their quality of life during this pandemic.
Key words: Musculoskeletal, Occupational stress, lockdown, physical activity, Nordic pain questionnaire.