Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Effect of Ergonomic Conditions in Karadeniz Technical University Students Receiving Distance Education Due to COVID-19

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ergonomic conditions in Karadeniz Technical University students who received distance education due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Methods: The population of this descriptive study consisted of 33,219 students at Karadeniz Technical University. Three hundred two university students selected using the convenience sampling method were included in the study by completing the questionnaire completely. Participation in the research was based on volunteering. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic and personal characteristics, online education and work environment characteristics, Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Results: The mean of participants' Total Cornell Score was 76.6 +/- 97.3 (0-624). The chairs used by 205 (67.9%) of the participants during the lesson did not have wheels and 360 degrees rotation feature. Total Cornell Score of the participants without head-neck and lumbar support was statistically significantly higher than those with head-neck and lumbar support (p values were 0.009 and 0.006, respectively). The Total Cornell Score was statistically significantly higher in the participants who could not put their feet on the ground completely while sitting on the chair compared to the participants who could keep their feet on the ground completely (p=0.018). The Total Cornell Score was statistically significantly lower in those who had adequate lighting in the room used during the lesson than those who did not have (p=0.028). Conclusion: This study showed the importance of providing ergonomically appropriate conditions in the working environment in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.