Abstract
BackgroundOccupational use of computers has increased rapidly over recent decades, and has been linked with various musculoskeletal disorders, which are now the most commonly diagnosed occupational diseases in Estonia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) by anatomical region during the past 12 months and to investigate its association with personal characteristics and work-related risk factors among Estonian office workers using computers.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey, the questionnaires were sent to the 415 computer users. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire from 202 computer users at two universities in Estonia. The questionnaire asked about MSP at different anatomical sites, and potential individual and work related risk factors. Associations with risk factors were assessed by logistic regression.ResultsMost respondents (77%) reported MSP in at least one anatomical region during the past 12 months. Most prevalent was pain in the neck (51%), followed by low back pain (42%), wrist/hand pain (35%) and shoulder pain (30%). Older age, right-handedness, not currently smoking, emotional exhaustion, belief that musculoskeletal problems are commonly caused by work, and low job security were the statistically significant risk factors for MSP in different anatomical sites.ConclusionsA high prevalence of MSP in the neck, low back, wrist/arm and shoulder was observed among Estonian computer users. Psychosocial risk factors were broadly consistent with those reported from elsewhere. While computer users should be aware of ergonomic techniques that can make their work easier and more comfortable, presenting computer use as a serious health hazard may modify health beliefs in a way that is unhelpful.
Highlights
Occupational use of computers has increased rapidly over recent decades, and has been linked with various musculoskeletal disorders, which are the most commonly diagnosed occupational diseases in Estonia
When risk factors for musculoskeletal pain (MSP) were analysed independently, with adjustment only for gender and age, significantly elevated risks of low back pain were found for somatising tendency, emotional exhaustion, belief that musculoskeletal problems are commonly caused by work, low job support and low job security, while risk was significantly reduced in current smokers (Additional file 1: Table S1)
Despite of associations with most variables were somewhat reduced, but female sex remained significantly associated with neck pain, older age with wrist/hand pain, left/both-handedness with lower odds of wrist/hand pain, emotional exhaustion with low back and neck pain, belief that musculoskeletal problems are commonly caused by work with low back and neck pain, and time pressure with wrist/hand pain (Additional file 1: Table S1)
Summary
Occupational use of computers has increased rapidly over recent decades, and has been linked with various musculoskeletal disorders, which are the most commonly diagnosed occupational diseases in Estonia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) by anatomical region during the past 12 months and to investigate its association with personal characteristics and work-related risk factors among Estonian office workers using computers. Computer work is widely perceived as a new risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which collectively have become the most frequently diagnosed occupational diseases in Estonia [1] and other European countries [2].
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