What is the level of back pain and dyspnoea among teachers after the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, both back pain and dyspnoea were symptoms that have been intensively studied by researchers as factors that could affect daily functioning. Education is one of the sectors of society most affected by the pandemic. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of dyspnoea and back pain in teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom in the first year after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Method. An online survey was conducted among 410 teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom. The degree of spinal disability was assessed using the ODI and NDI questionnaires, and the level of dyspnea was assessed using the MRC scale. Results. Back pain was present in less than half of the teachers surveyed. There were no statistically significant differences in the level of pain complaints between male teachers from Poland and the United Kingdom, while in the female group significantly more severe pain complaints were found in the teachers from Poland. Polish female teachers reported higher levels of dyspnoea. Dyspnoea is associated with the level of pain. Measures of pain or dyspnoea increase with age. Conclusions. In view of the results obtained, there is an urgent need to develop effective strategies to prevent back pain among teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom, and to improve working conditions. Dyspnoea is not a massive problem in the teacher population in Poland and the United Kingdom.