Computer work and musculoskeletal and asthenopic complaints among schoolteachers: A pilot study utilizing video consultation for occupational health assessment

Background Teachers increasingly rely on digital technologies and computer work for lesson preparation, administration and teaching. Computer work can be associated with musculoskeletal disorders and asthenopic complaints, particularly under unfavourable ergonomic conditions, potentially affecting teachers’ health and wellbeing. However, little is known about computer work and related health complaints in this occupational group. This pilot study examined computer work, ergonomic conditions and associated complaints among teachers, using video consultation as a tool for occupational health assessment. Methods Teachers from 36 public schools in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, were offered an optional occupational health screening for computer work via video consultation. During the consultation, data on computer work time at school and at home, ergonomic conditions and musculoskeletal and asthenopic complaints were collected using a structured digital questionnaire. Descriptive analyses, Mann–Whitney U tests, effect sizes and correlation analyses were conducted. Differences between teachers with and without management function were examined. Results Of the 1,453 teachers invited, 103 (7.1%) participated. Daily computer work averaged 5.0 hours (range 1–13). Teachers with a management function reported significantly longer computer work times than those without. A total of 47.6% reported at least one asthenopic symptom, most commonly dry eyes (43.7%). Shoulder/neck pain was reported by 57.3% and lower back pain by 30.1%. Significant associations were found between lower back pain and the absence of office chair armrests, between shoulder/neck pain and insufficient overhead lighting, and between asthenopic complaints and access to a height-adjustable desk. Conclusions Teachers in this pilot study performed substantial amounts of computer work and frequently reported musculoskeletal and visual complaints that may adversely affect their health and wellbeing. Teachers with management function spent more time on computer work, though even those without such roles showed considerable exposure. In line with regional occupational safety regulations, our findings support considering preventive occupational health examinations for teachers engaged in computer work. Video consultation proved advantageous for assessing real workplace conditions and provides a promising basis for tailored preventive and ergonomic measures.