Analyzing musculoskeletal system discomforts and risk factors in computer-using office workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Public Health

Background:

• Work-related musculoskeletal discomforts are a significant issue for office workers globally.
• Computer use is a major contributor to these health problems.
• Understanding risk factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the prevalence of computer-user musculoskeletal discomforts among Turkish office workers.
• To identify personal and computer-related risk factors associated with these symptoms.
• To inform the design of preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 395 office workers between July and September 2015.
• The Turkish-Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and a 21-item questionnaire were used.
• Data collected included demographics, job attributes, and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms reported in the neck (67.85%), back (66.33%), and lower back (59.49%).
• Risk factors identified include being male, increased daily computer usage, and prolonged desk work hours.
• Work interference due to symptoms ranged from 28.5% to 33.6% across different body regions.

Conclusions:

• Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among Turkish office workers, highlighting a significant occupational health concern.
• There is a clear need for increased attention to musculoskeletal disorders in this population.
• Developing and implementing effective preventive interventions is essential to mitigate these issues.