1.Posture Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among Computer Users in Higher Education Sectors of Malaysia
Sahar Husain Khan ; Tharma Raj Chandra Mohan ; Al Abed Ali Al Abed ; Swamy K B ; Amiya Bhumik
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(Supp 10, November):71-78
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