Knowledge of computer ergonomics and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among students of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India

Abstract

Each year, thousands of individuals are diagnosed with an illness directly related to poorly designed workstations, and among these are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are the repeated trauma and deterioration of the tissues, joint, tendons, and nerves that affect the muscles and supporting structures of the body, caused by the work nature or by an employee’s working environment (Bernard 1997). The prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD‘s) is increasing among Computer users throughout the world. Approximately 76% of Computer professionals from India reported musculoskeletal discomfort in various epidemiological studies. So, the present study was undertaken to study computer/laptop use pattern and knowledge of related ergonomic practices among students of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India and to assess the prevalence and magnitude of computer/laptop use related MSDs among students. 120 students pursuing post-graduation were selected randomly from the four different disciplines namely College of Agriculture, College of Agriculture Engineering and Technology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities and College of Home Science of PAU. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were in the age group of 26-27 years. They were using computer/laptop for 3-4 years, for 3-4 hours daily and they used to sit in bed while working on computer/laptop. Majority of the respondents had some knowledge about the importance of work behavior while using computer/laptop. Most of the total respondents felt pain in the neck (88.32%), lower back (75.00%), mid back (73.33%) and upper back (72.50%) while working on computer/laptop. Overall bodily fatigue or tiredness, shoulder or back pain/stiffness and headache during or after working on the computer were the major symptoms as reported by respondents