Self-reported morbidities among software professionals – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: In the modern era, persons working in software companies are increasing, and there is an emergence of computer-related health problems. Objectives: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of various morbidities among software professionals and to assess the factors associated with these problems. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 4 months from March 2016 to June 2016 was conducted among software professionals. Two hundred and sixty software professionals in the current job for the past 1 year were included in the study. A Google form was created through Google drive of the primary investigator. The E-mail id of persons working in software companies was collected through friends, relatives, and Internet. One person can send one response option was selected. The Google form was sent to their mail id with a request to forward the Google form to their contacts working in software. Results: Among the study participants, 53.8% of persons feel they were having health problems due to prolonged computer use. More than 70% had visual problems such as eye pain, eye strain, eye redness, blurring of vision, or watery eyes. It was observed, 63% of software professionals had some type of musculoskeletal problems. About 40% had headaches frequently and 47% had gastrointestinal problems. About 67.7% feel stressed due to their prolonged work and 35% feel depressed. A significant association was found between participants with visual and musculoskeletal complaints using antiglare screen and soft keypads and those not using, respectively. Conclusion: Ocular discomfort, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychosocial problems were main health problems among constant computer users which needs urgent intervention.