The Effect of Computer Using Workload on Work-Related Upper Extremity, Neck and Back Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers

Authors

  • Tadpong Tantipanjaporn Division of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University
  • Yaowalak Yoonim
  • Yuwadee Tongmee Division of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University
  • Orawan Keeratisiroj Division of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University

Keywords:

Musculoskeletal Disorders; Office Worker; Computer Using Workload

Abstract

Background and Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational problem among computer workers. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of MSDs and the effect of the computer using workload on MSDs.

Methods: Data were collected from 260 office computer workers of a university using a questionnaire regarding general characteristics and MSDs. Multiple logistic regression with adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval were used to analyze the effects of the computer using workload on MSDs. 

Results: The top three weighted scores of MSDs of office workers were lower back (15.22 ± 20.39), neck (14.87 ± 21.91) and right shoulder (12.01 ± 22.29), respectively. While the prevalence of MSDs occurred mostly in the neck (82.70%), lower back (74.60%) and right shoulder (61.90%). There were 52.3% of the workers that had the high computer using workload (computer usage greater than and equal to 7 hours/day).  The data showed that workers who had high computer using workload were more at risk of left shoulder pain (Adjusted OR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.22 - 3.64), right shoulder pain (Adjusted OR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.04 - 3.16), left forearm pain (Adjusted OR = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.13 - 4.08), right forearm pain (Adjusted OR = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.10 - 3.70), left wrist pain (Adjusted OR = 2.25, 95%CI = 1.23 - 4.14) and right wrist pain (Adjusted OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.00 - 2.95) than workers who had low computer using workload.

Conclusion: The results showed that high computer using workload could potentially affect MSDs. The results suggested that management on the computer using workload should appropriately conduct.

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Published

2019-02-20

How to Cite

1.
Tantipanjaporn T, Yoonim Y, Tongmee Y, Keeratisiroj O. The Effect of Computer Using Workload on Work-Related Upper Extremity, Neck and Back Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers. SRIMEDJ [Internet]. 2019 Feb. 20 [cited 2024 Nov. 5];34(1):60-7. Available from: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SRIMEDJ/article/view/173306

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Original Articles