Abstract
Currently, very little is known about computer use in college students, associated Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) and musculoskeletal discomfort, or the impact and availability of proper workstation design education and training in this population. Given the expanding use of technology in university settings, it is important to determine how computer use may be causing pain and discomfort for college students, whether workstation education and training is being provided to this population, and whether such education, if provided, is effective. Five-hundred twelve college students completed a survey on health and computer usage. The most frequently reported disorders related to health were eyestrain affecting nearly 85% and, upper back and neck pain affecting 70% of computer users. Only 26.6% of the sample indicated receiving training on workstation design. Identifying college students at risk for CTDs and other musculoskeletal discomforts provides a prime opportunity for health education professionals to intervene at an early stage.
Highlights
In recent years there has been an increase in the occurrence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and other musculoskeletal injuries due to ergonomic hazards (National Safety Council, 2001; MacLeod, 1995)
If CTDs occur in collegiate populations, this training is warranted at an earlier point in time, and may prevent later cumulative trauma
Very little is known about computer use in college students, associated CTDs and musculoskeletal discomfort, or the impact and availability of proper workstation design education and training in this population
Summary
Permission was granted from fourteen college instructors of upper division general education classes at a western university to administer a survey on computer use, education, and health in college students. Section three asked about students’ experience with workstation design and lifting-technique education and training. Participants were asked (yes or no) if they had received any workstation design training at work, school, home, or other location, and they were asked if they had ever received effective lifting technique training. Students were asked to respond with their level of disagreement to nine statements concerning the computer where they spent the most time. These statements correspond to the guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for effective workstation design. Responses were made on a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 “strongly agree” to 4 “strongly disagree.”
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