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.