Ergonomic risk factors among computer office workers for complaints of arm, neck and shoulder and workstation evaluation

Abstract

Background: Studies have suggested an association between computer work and the development of musculoskeletal disorders. However, studies examining the workplace ergonomics assessment of computer offices are scarce in the Pakistani population.

Objective: To determine the presence of ergonomic risk factors in the office using the Rapid Assessment Office Strain (ROSA) method for complaints of arm, neck and shoulder (CANS) among office computer workers.

Methods: From January to August 2019, a cross-sectional study was carried out among office workers who worked at least three hours on computers in their daily work. The prevalence of CANS was measured by using the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) and work station evaluation was done by using Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA). Data were collected from 773 computer workers, of whom 443 (56%) worked in the information technology sector, 215 (28%) in industry and 124 (16%) in universities. SPSS version 20 was used for data entry and analysis.

Results: Out of 773 computer workers, 448 (58%) reported musculoskeletal pain and the most prevalent were shoulder pain (327, 42%) and neck pain (270, 35%). The mean scores of ROSA sections A, B, C and D were 4.00±0.82, 2.98±0.72, 3.49±0.67 and 3.61±0.72 respectively. The mean ROSA total score in 773 office computer workers was 4.19±0.78, which indicates a low risk of musculoskeletal complaints. There was significant association was found between ROSA section A and shoulder pain (P = 0.043), ROSA section C with complaints of lower arm (P = 0.013), wrist (P = 0.016), and hand pain (P = 0.005), ROSA section D with lower arm (P = 0.002), wrist (P = 0.004) and hand complaints (P = 0.002). A significant association was found between ROSA total score and complaints of shoulder and hand, with p values of 0.012 and 0.006, respectively.

Conclusion: CANS are prevalent among computer office workers, and there is a significant relationship between CANS and workstation ergonomics.

Keywords: CANS; ergonomic risk factors; office computer workers; prevalence; work station evaluation.