Frequency of musculoskeletal complaints and their associated risk factors among computer workers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Computer-related work has become a part of the daily routine of workers of many occupations which leads to pains of multiple parts of the musculoskeletal system. OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal complaints of different regions of the body, and to examine the relationship between work-related risk factors with musculoskeletal complaints. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty-six computer workers were selected by non-probability purposive sampling from three clusters of computer sectors. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Respondents were interviewed and their height and weight were measures. Confidentiality was assured. RESULTS: The most common musculoskeletal complaints were shoulder (45%), neck (43%), and upper-middle back (36%) pain. The complaints were related to the female gender, increase duration of computer and using a computer at home. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial stresses were related to increasing the duration of computer work.