Association of complaints of arm, neck, and shoulders with physical and psychosocial risks factors among computer users of Nigerian bank employees

Abstract

Background: Complaints of arm, neck, and shoulders (CANS) affects millions of computer users and are thought to be associated with physical and psychosocial risk factors. Assessing the risk factors of these complaints are imperatives for preventive measures in enhancing the effectiveness of clinical interventions, hence this study. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 260 bankers whose major work task involved the use of desktop computers in Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria. Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) was used to collect the data. The MUEQ contains 95-item in seven main domains assessing physical and psychosocial risk factors with regards to work stations, posture during work, quality of break time, job demands, job control, and social supports. It also asked questions about the quality of the work environments and the occurrence of CANS. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square statistic tested the association of CANS with physical and psychosocial risk factors at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: A 70% 1 year prevalence rate of CANS was obtained. Poor body posture was significantly associated with the complaints of shoulder, arm, and elbow (P < 0.05). High job demand was significantly associated with the complaints of the shoulder and lower arm (P < 0.05), while poor work environment was significantly associated with the occurrence of CANS (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Physical and psychosocial risk factors of body posture, job demand, and work environment are associated with the prevalence of CANS among Nigerian bank employees.