Computer-associated health complaints and sources of ergonomic instructions in computer-related issues among Finnish adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of computers has increased among adolescents, as have musculoskeletal symptoms. There is evidence that these symptoms can be reduced through an ergonomics approach and through education. The purpose of this study was to examine where adolescents had received ergonomic instructions related to computer use, and whether receiving these instructions was associated with a reduced prevalence of computer-associated health complaints.MethodsMailed survey with nationally representative sample of 12 to 18-year-old Finns in 2001 (n = 7292, response rate 70%). In total, 6961 youths reported using a computer. We tested the associations of computer use time and received ergonomic instructions (predictor variables) with computer-associated health complaints (outcome variables) using logistic regression analysis.ResultsTo prevent computer-associated complaints, 61.2% reported having been instructed to arrange their desk/chair/screen in the right position, 71.5% to take rest breaks. The older age group (16-18 years) reported receiving instructions or being self-instructed more often than the 12- to 14-year-olds (p < 0.001). Among both age groups the sources of instructions included school (33.1%), family (28.6%), self (self-instructed) (12.5%), ICT-related (8.6%), friends (1.5%) and health professionals (0.8%). Receiving instructions was not related to lower prevalence of computer-associated health complaints.ConclusionsThis report shows that ergonomic instructions on how to prevent computer-related musculoskeletal problems fail to reach a substantial number of children. Furthermore, the reported sources of instructions vary greatly in terms of reliability.

Prevalence of Work Related Musculoskeleal Pain Among Academic and Non Academic Staff of a Nigerian University

“…Results of researchers revealed further that uses of computer precipitates hurt and discomfort on cervico-pectoral region, along the spine, fingers, eyes and head (33,34,36,37). Our finding also supported the report of these studies.…”

Prevalence and Correlates of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes

“…Advancing age was another associated risk for PAD in this study, which was also reported as a risk in previous studies [ 11 , 17 , 36 ]. Association of PAD with advancing age may be explained by the fact that the incidence of other risk factors associated with atherosclerosis, such as diabetes and hypertension, also increases with age [ 12 , 37 ].…”

Determination of musculoskeletal system pain, physical activity intensity, and prolonged sitting of university students using smartphone

“…Todd et al [38] stated that long-term sitting and long-term static posture may increase upper and lower back pain risk, while Myrtveit et al [25] stated that excessive time spent on screen-based activities can increase the risk of neck and shoulder pain. Since the musculoskeletal complaints are acute, chronic and repetitive, it is considered as a public health problem [11,12]. The purpose of this study was to examine the smartphone using university students' 1) musculoskeletal system pain complaints, 2) duration of smartphone and computer usage, 3) participation in moderate-vigorous physical activities (MVPA), and 4) prolonged sitting time.…”