Posture Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among Computer Users in Higher Education Sectors of Malaysia
- Author:
Sahar Husain Khan
1
;
Tharma Raj Chandra Mohan
1
;
Al Abed Ali Al Abed
2
;
Swamy K B
1
;
Amiya Bhumik
3
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Habitual Posture, Musculoskeletal disorders, Workstation, Computer Ergonomics, Risk factors
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(Supp 10, November):71-78
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: Introduction: Computer usage has become an indispensable tool in the official set up of all the workplaces in the current era. Predominance of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in relation to habitual posture during work is the utmost problem of modern society. Teaching staff stand out amongst a group of workers exposed to occupational MSDs. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in relation to posture and computer ergonomics at workplace among the college and university staff in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from August 2019-October 2019, among 419 volunteers by using a self-administered survey questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used for the analyses of multiple variables. The association between demographic characteristics, computer ergonomics and prevalence of musculoskeletal pains were analyzed through Chi-square test. Results: 55.8 % respondents (n=234) reported neck pain (NP), (n=196) 46.8% shoulder pain (SP) and (n=308) 73.5% low back pain (LBP) respectively. A significant relationship between desktop computer usage and musculoskeletal pains in LBP (P=0.036) and SP (P=0.023) was observed. Significant association of head posture was found with NP (P=0.002), SP (P=0.042) and LBP (P=0.001), correspondingly. Discussion: Habitual postures were significantly associated with musculoskeletal pains while using computer. Conclusion: This study proved with precession that higher prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders was undoubtedly influenced by prolonged sitting, awkward postures at workstation, and repetitive movements of shoulders and hands. Further synchronous studies are vital to limit the modern era of musculoskeletal disorders
- Full text:11.2020my0912.pdf
