Frequency of musculoskeletal complaints and their associated risk factors among computer workers

Computer-related work has become a part of the daily routine of workers of many occupations which leads to pains of multiple parts of the musculoskeletal system.

To examine the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal complaints of different regions of the body, and to examine the relationship between work-related risk factors with musculoskeletal complaints.

Three hundred and twenty-six computer workers were selected by non-probability purposive sampling from three clusters of computer sectors. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Respondents were interviewed and their height and weight were measures. Confidentiality was assured.

The most common musculoskeletal complaints were shoulder (45%), neck (43%), and upper-middle back (36%) pain. The complaints were related to the female gender, increase duration of computer and using a computer at home.

Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial stresses were related to increasing the duration of computer work.