Musculoskeletal Pain Associated With The Use Of Computer Systems In Nigeria

摘要

Introduction: Computer related musculoskeletal disorders affect millions of computer users in developed nations. With proliferation of computer systems in the developing nations, the associated musculoskeletal pain is yet to be investigated. This serves as impetus for this study.Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from 1250 computer users across six federal university campuses in Nigeria. The questionnaire contained two sections of 35 items. The questions requested the respondents to provide information on age, sex, years of computer usage, hours spent on computer per week, associated musculoskeletal pain, pain severity and knowledge of preventive measures. 1041 returned questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Result: Low back pain and neck pain were found to be the highest pain complaint with 74% and 73% respectively. 67% of the respondents complained of wrist pain, followed by finger pain (65%), shoulder pain (63%) and general body pain (61%). The knee and foot pains were the least complaints reported with 26% and 25% respectively. In terms of pain severity, low back pain, finger pain, neck pain and shoulder pain are rated to be moderate, while all other joints were said to be of mild pain. Discussion: The results of this study indicated that low back pain, neck pain and upper limbs are the common disorders complaints among the users. The cause of the pain may be attributed to bad ergonomics among the users Introduction The computer has been identified as a device that has a unique potential to improve the quality of health care system as well as the efficiency of the health workers both in the developed and developing countries (Idowu et al. 2003). Despite the fact that information, communication and technology are being used to improve health care systems, there may be associated health hazard with the use of these devices. School children and adults commonly use computers and Internet this day. Among computer users, the most common areas of complaints are the neck, shoulder and back (Glenn, 1995). Khaki and Rosemoff (1993), in their studies on ‘Ergonomics in Back pain' found that poor awkward postures cause fatigue, strain and eventually pain. Poor posture may result in structural deformation of the body, muscular contractures, pain in the back and legs, decreased lung capacity, poor circulation, intravascular pressure, kinks in the bowel and many irregularities in the body (Stuart, 1995). Stuart (1995) states that muscles need stimulation to grow; they need to experience movement and maintain coordination. Good circulation also provides nutrition to muscles and joints, but they will be deprived of that if people stay in the same position all day. Prolonged sitting leads to a slackening of the abdominal muscles and curvature of the spine which in return is bad for the organs of digestion and breathing (Grandjean, 1981). Unnatural postures and bad seating can speed up the deterioration of the discs. Back pain is the leading cause of sickness and absence from work. Experts predict that one in six of employers will be affected by bad ergonomic in one year alone (Margolis and Kostuik, 1995). Benz (1995) reported that computer-related vision ailments and musculoskeletal affects millions of Computer users every year.Most occupational illnesses are now attributed to cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) or repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Such conditions are carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, neck pain, tendonitis and eye fatigue or some other ergonomic causes (Niland, 2003). RSI have become the fastest growing workplace illness in the United States, up to an astonishing 770% over a decade ago (Business week, 1995). Rob Hogan (2000) reported that concentrating on the screen for long period could reduce the blink rate and allow the tear film on the surface of the eye to dry which can result into dry and sore eyes. A study conducted by the Department of Human Factor Engineering, Univers