"Self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and its physical and psychological risk factors of arm, neck and shoulder among computer office workers”

Abstract

Background: Many scientific literature and layout press have recommended that computer office workers are at increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) or musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Early study often found that computer office workers performance decreasing day by due to MSS. In this study self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors of arm, neck and shoulder was identified. Method: There are 100 computer office workers participate in this study. The standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and Maastricht Upper extremity questionnaire are used for identifying the one year prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms and associated physical and psychological risk factors. Result: The mean age was 40.61 ± 7.67 years, 81% were male and 19% were female. The 1 year prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 91.1% and 47.5% reported causing disruption in activities of daily living (ADL). There was a strong association between ages with MSS. The participants have a good workstation but most of them have no height adjustable chair which may lead MSS. Most of the participants reported that they maintain good work posture but did repetitive work. In addition some other risk factors also identified such as work with extensive pressure, awkward posture, lack of taking short break for them. Conclusion: The prevalence of MSS is very high among computer users in Bangladesh as a developing country in compare with another country of developed country. Lack of awareness, lack of ergonomics practices, lack of research and lack of government contribution were the most influencing factors to increase the prevalence of MSS. This problem can be effectively prevented through solving this problem.