Reliability and concurrent validity of the computer workstation checklist

摘要

Abstract.nBACKGROUND: Self-report checklists are used to assess computer workstation set up, typically by workers not trained innergonomic assessment or checklist interpretation. Though many checklists exist, few have been evaluated for reliability andnvalidity.nOBJECTIVE: This study examined reliability and validity of the Computer Workstation Checklist (CWC) to identify mismatchesnbetween workers’ self-reported workstation problems.nMETHODS: The CWC was completed at baseline and at 1 month to establish reliability. Validity was determined with CWCnbaseline data compared to an onsite workstation evaluation conducted by an expert in computer workstation assessment.nRESULTS: Reliability ranged from fair to near perfect (prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa, 0.38–0.93); items with thenstrongest agreement were related to the input device, monitor, computer table, and document holder. The CWC had greaternspecificity (11 of 16 items) than sensitivity (3 of 16 items). The positive predictive value was greater than the negative predictivenvalue for all questions.nCONCLUSION: The CWC has strong reliability. Sensitivity and specificity suggested workers often indicated no problems withnworkstation setup when problems existed. The evidence suggests that while the CWC may not be valid when used alone, it maynbe a suitable adjunct to an ergonomic assessment completed by professionals.