Work-related health disorders among Saudi computer users.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Jomoah IM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4213430 | biostudies-other | 2014
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:BackgroundOccupational use of computers has increased rapidly over recent decades, and has been linked with various musculoskeletal disorders, which are now the most commonly diagnosed occupational diseases in Estonia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) by anatomical region during the past 12 months and to investigate its association with personal characteristics and work-related risk factors among Estonian office workers using computers.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey, the questionnaires were sent to the 415 computer users. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire from 202 computer users at two universities in Estonia. The questionnaire asked about MSP at different anatomical sites, and potential individual and work related risk factors. Associations with risk factors were assessed by logistic regression.ResultsMost respondents (77%) reported MSP in at least one anatomical region during the past 12 months. Most prevalent was pain in the neck (51%), followed by low back pain (42%), wrist/hand pain (35%) and shoulder pain (30%). Older age, right-handedness, not currently smoking, emotional exhaustion, belief that musculoskeletal problems are commonly caused by work, and low job security were the statistically significant risk factors for MSP in different anatomical sites.ConclusionsA high prevalence of MSP in the neck, low back, wrist/arm and shoulder was observed among Estonian computer users. Psychosocial risk factors were broadly consistent with those reported from elsewhere. While computer users should be aware of ergonomic techniques that can make their work easier and more comfortable, presenting computer use as a serious health hazard may modify health beliefs in a way that is unhelpful.
| S-EPMC4049436 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists are known to be prone to Work- related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) but its prevalence among physiotherapists in Nigeria has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence and work factors of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Nigeria. METHODS: A cross- sectional survey was administered to physiotherapists in different parts of Nigeria using a 2- part questionnaire with items adopted from questionnaires used for similar studies around the world. Two hundred and seventeen copies of the questionnaire were distributed for self administration but 126 physiotherapists returned completed surveys for a 58.1% response. The data were analyzed using SPPS version 10 at alpha level of 0.05. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages and inferential statistics of chi2 were used as appropriate for data analysis. RESULTS: Reported 12- month prevalence of WRMDs among Nigerian physiotherapists was 91.3%. Prevalence of WRMDs was significantly higher in female physiotherapists (p = 0.007) and those with lower body mass index (p = 0.045). The low back (69.8%) was the most commonly affected body part, followed by the neck (34.1%). Fifty percent of the physiotherapists first experienced their WRMDs within five years of graduation and the highest prevalence (61.7%) was found among physiotherapists younger than 30 years. Treating large number of patients in a day was cited by most (83.5%) of the respondents as the most important work factor for their WRMDs. The most commonly adopted coping strategy identified was for the therapists to modify their position and/or the patient's position (64.3%). Majority of the respondents (87.0%) did not leave the profession but 62.6% changed and/or modified their treatment because of their WRMDs. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of WRMDs among physiotherapists in Nigeria is higher than most values reported for their counterparts around the world. The coping strategies and work factors of WRMDs among Nigerian physiotherapists are mostly similar to those of their counterparts elsewhere.
| S-EPMC2535595 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND: This review examines the evidence for an association between computer work and neck and upper extremity disorders (except carpal tunnel syndrome). METHODS: A systematic critical review of studies of computer work and musculoskeletal disorders verified by a physical examination was performed. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies (26 articles) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results show limited evidence for a causal relationship between computer work per se, computer mouse and keyboard time related to a diagnosis of wrist tendonitis, and for an association between computer mouse time and forearm disorders. Limited evidence was also found for a causal relationship between computer work per se and computer mouse time related to tension neck syndrome, but the evidence for keyboard time was insufficient. Insufficient evidence was found for an association between other musculoskeletal diagnoses of the neck and upper extremities, including shoulder tendonitis and epicondylitis, and any aspect of computer work. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited epidemiological evidence for an association between aspects of computer work and some of the clinical diagnoses studied. None of the evidence was considered as moderate or strong and there is a need for more and better documentation.
| S-EPMC2874766 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Medical certification is one of the basic administrative mechanisms used by social policies aimed at income protection. The assessment of work disability is central to the income protection application. Yet, there is evidence suggesting that determining work disability related to mental disorders is challenging. Although essential to the disability application process, few studies have looked at physician and other clinician experiences with the process. However, this type of information is critical to developing processes to support providers who participate in the assessments. This purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of physicians and other clinicians assessing public long-term work disability related to mental disorders.This is an exploratory and descriptive study using qualitative methods. Clinician input was gathered through focus groups and individual in-depth interviews. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed to identify recurrent and significant themes that arose during the focus groups and individual interviews.Many of the experiences that the clinicians in this sample discussed related to the difficulty of trying to fill the roles of advocate and medical expert as well as the challenge of determining the impact of functional capacity and work ability. The findings also highlight the current gap in knowledge about the factors that affect successful functioning in general and at work in particular.Given the challenges created by the current state of knowledge, it may be useful to consider a category of "partial disability". In addition, the fact that work disability depends on the interaction between the experience of the mental disorder and specific job requirements and the fact that people applying for public long-term disability are not working, it might be helpful to offer a clear description and guidelines of the meaning of work ability.
| S-EPMC4366073 | biostudies-other
Project description:This study aimed to investigate level of work ability and quality of life (QOL) as well as the relationship between them among patients suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study design with continuous sampling and a questionnaire were used to obtain the research data. Controlling for personal characteristics, pain, psychological distress, and social support, multiple linear regressions were adopted to explore the relationship between work ability and overall QOL. Further analyses were also made to clarify the relationships between work ability and each domain of QOL. In total, 165 patients with WMSDs were recruited. Compared with general workers, the participants reported a lower level of work ability and overall QOL. Work ability was significantly associated with overall QOL when covariates were controlled. Among the four domains of QOL, work ability was significantly associated with both the physical and psychological domains. The conclusion was that work ability is a definite factor of QOL for patients with WMSDs; the essence of work ability may be beyond economic function or social support. Strategies to help workers with WMSDs enhance their work ability to fit their new or temporary jobs would be beneficial to their QOL.
| S-EPMC7246860 | biostudies-literature
Project description:OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with prolonged work- and computer-related seated immobility. DESIGN: Case-control study in which cases were patients aged 18-65 years attending outpatient VTE clinics, and controls were patients aged 18-65 years admitted to CCU with a condition other than VTE. Interviewer-administered questionnaires obtained detailed information on VTE risk factors and clinical details. SETTING: VTE Clinics and Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals, Wellington between February 2007 and February 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The relative risk of VTE associated with prolonged work- and computer-related seated immobility, defined as being seated at work and on the computer at home, at least 10 hours in a 24-hour period and at least 2 hours at a time without getting up, during the four weeks prior to the onset of symptoms that led to VTE diagnosis or CCU admission. RESULTS: There were 197 cases and 197 controls. Prolonged work- and computer-related seated immobility was present in 33/197 (16.8%) and 19/197 (9.6%) cases and controls, respectively. In multivariate analyses, prolonged work- and computer-related seated immobility was associated with an increased risk of VTE, odds ratio 2.8 (95% CI 1.2-6.1, P=0.013). The maximum and average number of hours seated in a 24-hour period were associated with an increased risk of VTE, with odds ratios of 1.1 (95% CI 1.0-1.2, P=0.008) and 1.1 (95% CI 1.0-1.2, P=0.014) per additional hour seated. CONCLUSION: Prolonged work- and computer-related seated immobility increases the risk of VTE. We suggest that there needs to be both a greater awareness of the role of prolonged work-related seated immobility in the pathogenesis of VTE, and the development of occupational strategies to decrease the risk.
| S-EPMC2966881 | biostudies-other
Project description:Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major causes of morbidity among workers. They comprise several signs and symptoms, as e.g. pain, paresthesia, fatigue and limited range of motion, which can be related to work tasks. Workplace-related factors include physical, psychological, social and biomechanical hazards. The main kinetic factors associated with MSDs include repetitive movements, exerting excessive force, awkward postures, compression and mechanical vibration. Accurate knowledge of epidemiological aspects, evaluation of ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal symptoms, and workplace exercise may help reduce the occurrence of MSDs. The aim of the present review is to analyze the applicability of preventive strategies against MSDs among workers. We performed a narrative review based on a survey of databases PubMed and BIREME and included studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. We found that workplace exercise is beneficial for both employers and workers. Risk analysis of MSDs is essential for early identification of occupational hazards and to prevent health consequences and costs associated with absenteeism.
| S-EPMC7195879 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PurposeCommon mental disorders (CMDs) are major causes of sickness absence and disability. Prevention requires knowledge of how individuals perceive causal mechanisms, and in this study we sought to examine work-related factors as causal attribution of CMDs.MethodsA trial sample of n = 1,193, recruited because they struggled with work participation due to CMDs, answered an open-ended questionnaire item about what they believed were the most important causes of their CMDs. The population included participants at risk of sickness absence, and participants with reduced work participation due to sickness absence, disability or unemployment. We used thematic content analysis and categorized responses from 487 participants who reported work-related factors as causal attributions of their CMDs. Gender differences in work-related causal attributions were also examined.ResultsThe participants attributed their CMDs to the following work-related factors; work stress, leadership, reduced work participation, job dissatisfaction, work conflict, social work environment, job insecurity and change, workplace bullying, and physical strain. Women tended to attribute CMDs to social factors at work.ConclusionFindings from this study suggest several work-related risk factors for CMDs. Both factors at the workplace, and reduced work participation, were perceived by study participants as contributing causes of CMDs. Thus, there is a need to promote work participation whilst at the same time targeting aversive workplace factors. Further, our findings indicate that work-related factors may affect women and men differently. This illustrates that the association between work participation and CMDs is complex, and needs to be explored further.
| S-EPMC4540770 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the health status and work limitations in injured workers with musculoskeletal disorders at 1 month post-injury, stratified by return-to-work status, and to document their return-to-work trajectories 6 months post-injury. METHODS: A sample of 632 workers with a back or upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder, who filed a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board lost-time claim injury, participated in this prospective study. Participants were assessed at baseline (1 month post-injury) and at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: One month post-injury, poor physical health, high levels of depressive symptoms and high work limitations are prevalent in workers, including in those with a sustained first return to work. Workers with a sustained first return to work report a better health status and fewer work limitations than those who experienced a recurrence of work absence or who never returned to work. Six months post-injury, the rate of recurrence of work absence in the trajectories of injured workers who have made at least one return to work attempt is high (38%), including the rate for workers with an initial sustained first return to work (27%). CONCLUSIONS: There are return-to-work status specific health outcomes in injured workers. A sustained first return to work is not equivalent to a complete recovery from musculoskeletal disorders.
| S-EPMC2039824 | biostudies-other
Project description:Background: Use of manual therapy (MT) is a risk factor for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in physical therapists (PTs) although the current evidence is limited on this topic.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand the type, association, and prevalence of WRMDs among practitioners of MT, explore relationships between MT and WRMD, and determine impacts of WRMDs on PTs.Design: Cross-sectional survey design.Methods: A web-based survey was distributed through the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. The survey gathered information on the respondents' professional profiles, any WRMDs sustained, and how those injuries affected their professional and personal lives.Results: Overall, 38.5% of PT respondents using MT reported having sustained an MT attributable WRMD. Female respondents reported a greater rate of MT attributable injuries. Although exposure risk is cumulative, novice practitioners are also injured.Limitations: Generalizability of these results may be limited because of the sample size and specific population responding.Conclusion: Over one-third of PT survey respondents reported WRMDs attributable to MT. The results indicated WRMDs may begin early in one's career and tend to accumulate over years of practice. MT educational programming at all levels warrants emphasis on practitioner safety.
| S-EPMC8023609 | biostudies-literature