Risk Factors of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Professional Computer Users in Amman, Jordan.

ABSTRACT: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (also known as cumulative trauma disorder, repetitive strain, and over use injuries) can be defined as injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs associated with exposure to external risk factors in the workstation.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the external risk factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among professional computer users in Jordan. A special questionnaire was developed that consisted of three main sections: personal data, nature of work, and the environment of computer work. None of the participants had a history of any pathology that may cause work related musculoskeletal disorders.

 The response rate of the questionnaire was 86.54 % (i.e. 225 responders). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Significant level was taken at P< 0.05.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders were defined to the participant as any pain or stiffness or numbness in one or more joint. The majority of respondents were women 69.8%. Job titles included 51 (22.7%) computer programmers, 85 (37.8%) secretaries, 58 (25%) engineers and 26 (11.6%) computer lab supervisors. One hundred seventy (79.6%) of participants were young age (23-35) years. Among all responders, 93.3% suffering of work related musculoskeletal disorders at the time of survey [2009].

Analyzing the factors, which may contribute to work related musculoskeletal disorders, showed that visual problems, head and shoulders posture, and the type of computer used are contributing factors. However, back and legs posture, age, smoking, handedness, working station environment, working hours, and length of breaks did not seem to contribute to work related musculoskeletal disorders