Association of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors with quality of life among university teachers in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study.
6 affiliations
- 1Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, No. 365, Ming-te Rd., Peitou Dist., Taipei City, 112303, Taiwan. [email protected].
- 2Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, No. 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung City, 413305, Taiwan.
- 3Division of Emergency Medical Service, New Taipei City Fire Department, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- 4Department of Public Health, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- 5Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, No. 500, Lioufeng Rd., Wufeng, Taichung City, 413305, Taiwan. [email protected].
- 6Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan. [email protected].
Abstract
Background
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common and distressing issues among university teachers, and various occupational factors may affect their quality of life (QoL). However, empirical evidence examining the association between QoL, WMSDs, and work-related factors remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the overall and domain-specific QoL among university teachers with WMSDs in Taiwan and its association with the number of body regions affected by WMSDs and work-related factors.Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to reach full-time university teachers with WMSDs. Data were collected through a self-administered digital questionnaire that incorporated the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, work-related factors, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Multivariable linear regression models were applied to examine the associations of overall and domain-specific QoL scores with the number of body regions affected by WMSDs and work-related factors.Results
A total of 262 participants were enrolled. The mean overall QoL score was 57.17 ± 8.80, with the psychological domain showing the lowest mean score among the four QoL domains. A greater number of WMSD-affected body regions was significantly associated with lower overall QoL (β=-0.722, p = 0.001) and poorer scores across all QoL domains. Having three or more days off per week was significantly associated with higher physical (1.43, p = 0.009), psychological (1.57, p = 0.016), and environmental (1.73, p = 0.003) QoL, while being an associate professor (-0.93, p = 0.036) was related to lower social QoL.Conclusion
Significant associations were observed between both overall and domain-specific QoL scores and the number of body regions affected by WMSDs, as well as specific work-related characteristics. The findings suggest that interventions targeting musculoskeletal health, sufficient recovery time, and psychosocial support may help improve the well-being of university teachers. Longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these associations.
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BibTeX
@article{liu2026association,
title = {{Association of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors with quality of life among university teachers in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study.}},
author = {Chih-Ching Liu and Yu-Hsuan Hung and Chien-Hui Liu and Kai-Ren Chen and Jiun-Yi Wang},
journal = {BMC public health},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s12889-026-28731-0},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42968037},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Association of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and work-related factors with quality of life among university teachers in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study.
AU - Chih-Ching Liu
AU - Yu-Hsuan Hung
AU - Chien-Hui Liu
AU - Kai-Ren Chen
AU - Jiun-Yi Wang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/05
JO - BMC public health
DO - 10.1186/s12889-026-28731-0
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42968037
AB - Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common and distressing issues among university teachers, and various occupational factors may affect their quality of life (QoL). However, empirical evidence examining the association between QoL, WMSDs, and work-related factors remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the overall and domain-specific QoL among university teachers with WMSDs in Taiwan and its association with the number of body regions affected by WMSDs and work-related factors.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to reach full-time university teachers with WMSDs. Data were collected through a self-administered digital questionnaire that incorporated the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, work-related factors, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Multivariable linear regression models were applied to examine the associations of overall and domain-specific QoL scores with the number of body regions affected by WMSDs and work-related factors.Results A total of 262 participants were enrolled. The mean overall QoL score was 57.17 ± 8.80, with the psychological domain showing the lowest mean score among the four QoL domains. A greater number of WMSD-affected body regions was significantly associated with lower overall QoL (β=-0.722, p = 0.001) and poorer scores across all QoL domains. Having three or more days off per week was significantly associated with higher physical (1.43, p = 0.009), psychological (1.57, p = 0.016), and environmental (1.73, p = 0.003) QoL, while being an associate professor (-0.93, p = 0.036) was related to lower social QoL.Conclusion Significant associations were observed between both overall and domain-specific QoL scores and the number of body regions affected by WMSDs, as well as specific work-related characteristics. The findings suggest that interventions targeting musculoskeletal health, sufficient recovery time, and psychosocial support may help improve the well-being of university teachers. Longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these associations.
SN - 1471-2458
ER -