ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN UNIVERSITY TEACHERS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY IN JINOTEGA, NICARAGUA

Abstract

The present study aimed to describe the ergonomic risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in university professors in Jinotega, Nicaragua. A quantitative study was conducted with a descriptive, cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 52 professors from a private university. They voluntarily participated in the administration of a structured questionnaire, complemented by postural assessment using the REBA method, to identify working conditions and ergonomic risk levels. Data processing was performed using descriptive analysis of absolute and relative frequencies. The information was organized into three axes: sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, physical and organizational conditions of the work environment, and assessment of ergonomic risk factors and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms. The results showed that 63% of teachers reported musculoskeletal symptoms, specifically targeting specific body areas such as the neck, lower back, and shoulders, associated with risk factors, primarily sustained postures, excessive workload, prolonged use of technological devices, and lack of active breaks. The postural assessment showed that a significant proportion of participants presented medium to high risk levels according to the REBA scale. These findings suggest the need to implement preventive ergonomic interventions that include improvements in the physical environment, work organization, and teacher awareness to mitigate working conditions that predispose to the development of MSDs. These interventions should be addressed through ergonomic workplace design and institutional strengthening of an occupational health culture.