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Indian journal of Occ med IJOEM ORIGINAL ARTICLE Year : 2005 | Volume : 9 | Issue : 3 | Page : 111-114 Occupational health problems and role of ergonomics in information technology professionals in national capital region K Suparna , AK Sharma , J Khandekar Department of Community Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India Correspondence Address: A K Sharma Department of Community Medicine,Lady Hardinge Medical College,Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, New Delhi - 110 001 India Abstract A cross sectional study was done among 200 Information Technology (IT) professionals in the National Capital Region (NCR) to study the computer related health problems and role of ergonomic factors. The computer related morbidity was present in 93% of the study subjects. The visual problems were seen in 76% and musculoskeletal in 77.5% while 35% felt stressful symptoms. The study subjects having inadequate lighting and not using an antiglare had greater visual problem, i.e. 81.3 and 76.3%, respectively. Of the 152 subjects that had visual discomfort, 80.2% did not have the monitor at correct distance. This observation was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). The musculoskeletal problems were also higher in the study subjects using inappropriate ergonomics. The study has brought

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Indian journal of Occ med IJOEMORIGINAL ARTICLE

Year : 2005  |  Volume : 9  |  Issue : 3  |  Page : 111-114 

Occupational health problems and role of ergonomics in information technology professionals in national capital region

K Suparna, AK Sharma, J KhandekarDepartment of Community Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India

Correspondence Address:A K SharmaDepartment of Community Medicine,Lady Hardinge Medical College,Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, New Delhi - 110 001 India

    Abstract  

A cross sectional study was done among 200 Information Technology (IT) professionals in the National Capital Region (NCR) to study the computer related health problems and role of ergonomic factors. The computer related morbidity was present in 93% of the study subjects. The visual problems were seen in 76% and musculoskeletal in 77.5% while 35% felt stressful symptoms. The study subjects having inadequate lighting and not using an antiglare had greater visual problem, i.e. 81.3 and 76.3%, respectively. Of the 152 subjects that had visual discomfort, 80.2% did not have the monitor at correct distance. This observation was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). The musculoskeletal problems were also higher in the study subjects using inappropriate ergonomics. The study has brought forth a very high prevalence of computer related morbidity among IT professionals and it further concluded that all aspects of ergonomic variables appear to be acting in cohesion in relation to computer related heath.

Keywords: Computer related morbidity, IT professionals, Ergonomics

How to cite this article:Suparna K, Sharma AK, Khandekar J. Occupational health problems and role of ergonomics in information technology professionals in national capital region. Indian J Occup Environ Med

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2005;9:111-4

How to cite this URL:Suparna K, Sharma AK, Khandekar J. Occupational health problems and role of ergonomics in information technology professionals in national capital region. Indian J Occup Environ Med [serial online] 2005 [cited 2011 Dec 13];9:111-4. Available from: http://www.ijoem.com/text.asp?2005/9/3/111/19174

  Introduction  

Computer, a hallmark of technological advancement has ushered in a new genre of occupational health problem, i.e. of computer related health problems. India being the forerunner in the cyber world the occupational health personals is slowly awakening to this group of modern occupational diseases, which are slowly taking its roots among the information technology (IT) professionals. These problems if ignored can prove debilitating and can cause crippling injuries forcing one to change one's profession.[1],[2] There is an urgent need to understand the dynamics of these problems and prevent it from assuming epidemic proportions. With young children being introduced to computers much early on in life, it is all the more important to be aware of the problems and follow necessary preventive steps to check the progression of computer related health problems. The bulk of literature available on this problem is in west with few studies done in the Indian setup. The present study was done in National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi to assess the magnitude of these occupational problems and role of ergonomics in computer related health problems.

  Materials and methods  

The present study was done with an objective of studying computer related health problems and role of ergonomic factors, likely to be associated with computer related health problems.

The primary service providers in IT industry are grouped into: IT software industry, IT enabled service, Internet and e-commerce. There are approximately 916 IT providers registered with National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) all over India, of which 202 IT providers are registered in NCR. The study design was cross sectional.

The sampling design used was stratified random sampling. Based on various studies in the west and taking into account time constraints the sample size of 200 was taken. The study subjects were drawn from software developers (NIIT) 82, Call centre (V-customer care) 54 and Data entry/processing (NIC) 64, to have an adequate representation from all sectors of IT industry.

The study period was one year from April 2002 to March 2003. The stratification was done on the basis of, number of working years on computers of the IT professionals.

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The inclusion criteria for subjects to be considered for the study were they should be working in the current job for past 6 months. He/she should be working on the computers for at least 3 h/day or 15 h/week.

The study subjects were administered a pre designed pre tested semi structured questionnaire covering details like age, working hours, working environment, experiencing of any problem while working on computers and the type and kind of problems perceived. To assess the musculoskeletal problems a standardized Nordic Questionnaire[3] was administered. Depression was measured using Zung's self-rating depression scale and Hamilton depression rating scale.[4]

The working environment of each individual was assessed separately with respect to position of monitor, distance of monitor from the user, use of anti glare screen, type of chair, use of foot rests, position of elbow and legs, position of body, number of breaks, and manner of holding the mouse.[5]

The use of furniture specifically designed for computer use was taken as appropriate. In the present study sitting straight and leg at an angle with feet well supported, elbows and arms supported in neutral position while working, was taken as appropriate while any other position were considered as inappropriate. The position of monitor in level with the horizontal gaze of the subject was taken as appropriate. The light grip used for holding the mouse was considered as correct manner of holding the mouse.[1],[5] Statistical appraisal was done by univariate analysis using chi-square test.

  Results  

In the present study, the age of the subject varied from 20 to 54 years with mean age of 29.86 years. The males outnumbered females in the ratio 7: 3. The age profile is similar to other Indian studies. Shah et al[6] reported mean age of 25.4 years in computer professionals. Sharan[7] had subjects with median age 27 years. While Choudhary et al[1] had subjects with mean age 29±6 years, the studies done in India had predominantly male workers unlike most studies in west where female workers outnumber male.

The average working hours per day on computer in call center and software development were 9±0.67 h and 8.3±0.81 h, respectively, as compared to 5±0.41 h in data entry/processing group.

The magnitude of computer related problems were as high as 93% in the present study [Table - 1]. These were visual problems in 76%; musculoskeletal problems in 77.5% and stress in 35% of study subjects. The females had more problems (96.7%) as compared to the males (91.3%). They experienced more visual and musculoskeletal problems while stress perceived was more by males. The difference was found to be statistically significant for musculoskeletal problems and stress at P < 0.05 and P < 0.02, respectively.

The highest morbidity (96.3%) was in software development group. The highest prevalence of visual and stress was also in software development group while musculoskeletal problems were highest in data entry workers [Table - 1].

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In the present study 152 subjects had visual problems, of these, 82.9% were working for 1 h or more at a stretch [Table - 2]. Chakarpani et al[2] in Visual Display Terminal (VDT) users at Hyderabad found a significant correlation between duration of work without a break and frequency of symptom occurrence. WHO[8] also observed a significant positive correlation between duration of work without a break and the frequency of symptoms occurrence.

In the present study, subjective perception of an individual regarding illumination, and glare were considered to determine the adequacy or inadequacy of light and use of additional antiglare mechanism, i.e. either screen or glasses in addition to in-built mechanisms in the screen was considered as adequate. The review by Soo et al[9] for National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) took four basic lighting factors viz quantity, contrast, illumination and glare, which increased visual complaints.

The study subjects having inadequate lighting and not using an antiglare had greater visual problem, i.e. 81.3 and 76.3%.

These observations were supported by findings of Hunting et al[10] that reported increase in subjective and objective symptoms of eye troubles with high luminance and inadequate contrast between screen and surrounding space. However Collins et al[11] found glare in users field was not significantly associated with ocular, visual or systemic symptoms.

There was not much difference in visual discomfort with display quality. The probable reason for which could be that only single aspect of display quality was considered not taking into account the micro aspects like resolution, colour, contrast, luminance, and font size.[9],[12],[13]

In the present study, distance of 45-60 cm from the screen was considered as appropriate and distances less or greater than the above range were termed inadequate. Of the 167 who did not have the monitor at correct distance i.e. 45-65 cm, 122 (80.3%) had visual problems. This observation was found to be statistically significant ( P < 0.05) [Table - 3].

Musculoskeletal problems were higher in the study subjects using inappropriate ergonomics. The observation was found to be statistically significant [Table - 4].

Ergonomics refers to a wide array of factors in terms of self and surrounding environment. Although an individual may be following correct ergonomic variable in one thing but at the same time he may be oblivious to other aspect, which could be contributing to the problem. WHO[8] manual on VDT also made a similar observation. The review by Soo et al[9] further adds that at times important components of workstations were not adjustable or the mechanisms were too cumbersome to operate. This becomes all the more important when several workers used same furniture. The discrepancies were then met at the cost of postural adjustments. Immobilization further adds to the problems. The role of inappropriate workstation is therefore, very important for causation of musculoskeletal problems.

  Conclusions  

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Based on the present study it was evident that very high morbidity attributed to computers has already taken roots in IT professionals and is a matter of great concern. This study has also focussed on ergonomic factors contributing to the occurrence of these problems. The study has also brought forth that all aspects of workstation appear to be acting in cohesion in relation to computer related heath problems.

There is an immediate need for the concerned agencies to collaborate and enforce suitable preventive measures. Almost all the subjects were not aware about the correct ergonomics and preventive aspects of these problems. There is a need for constant monitoring and periodic appraisal of health problems in IT professional to take appropriate remedial measures at the earliest.

  Acknowledgments  

The present study is parts of M.D. thesis of Khera Suparna. A. K. Sharma and J. Khandekar are Supervisor and Co-supervisor, respectively.

   References  

1. Choudhary SB, Sapur S, Deb PS. Awkward posture and Development of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) in Computer Professionals. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2002;6:10-2.       

2. Rao KC, Chandu K, Vedachalam V. Hardships of Soft People- A Clinical Study of Ocular and Visual Discomfort in Video Display Terminal (VDT) Users. Indian J Occup Environ Med 1999;3:14-6.       

3. Jonsson KB, Kilbom A, Vinterberg H, Biering-Sorenson F, Anderson G. Standardized Nordic Questionnaires for the Analysis of Musculoskeletal Symptoms. App Ergonomics 1987;18:233-7.       

4. Hamilton Max: A Rating Scale For Depression. J Neurosurg Psychiatr 1960;23:56-61.       5. Lamba M. Ergonomics as applied to working on computers. Indian J Occup Environ Med

2001;5:171-6.       6. Shah PB, Reddy PS, Hegde SC. Stress: Occupational Health Disorder Amongst Computer

Professionals. Indian J Occup Health 1999;71-3.       7. Sharan D. Current Research "Computer Related

Injuries":http://www.deepaksharan.com/cri_intro.html       8. WHO offset publication 99:Visual Display Terminals and Workers Health; 1987. p. 1-

157.       9. Soo-Yee Lim, Sauter SL, Schnorr TM. Occupational Health Aspects of Work with Video

Display Terminals: Chapter 100 Environmental and Occupational Medicine. 3rd edn. edited by William N Rom Publishers Lippencott-Raven Philadelphia; 1998.       

10. Hunting W, Th. Laubli, Grandjean E. Postural and visual loads at VDT workplaces; Constrained Postures. Ergonomics 1981;24:917-31.       

11. Collins M, Brown B, Bowman K, Carkeet A. Workstation variables and visual discomfort

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associated with VDTs: App Ergonomics 1990;157-61.       12. Marriott IA, Stuchly MA. Health Aspects of Work with Visual Display Terminals. J Occupa

Med 1986;29:833-48.       13. Samel, Jape MR. Editorial: Challenges Due to Emerging Health Hazards in "IT" Industry -

Video Display Terminals and Health. Indian J Occup Health 2002;2-12.       

Tables

[Table - 1], [Table - 2], [Table - 3], [Table - 4]

This article has been cited by

1 The outsourcing industry and health implications: Time for a research agenda? Bhan, A. National Medical Journal of India. 2009; 22(1): 50-51 [Pubmed]

2Working conditions and health among employees at information technology - Enabled services: A review of current evidenceKesavachandran, C., Rastogi, S., Das, M., Khan, A. Indian J Med Sci. 2006; 60(7): 300-307 [Pubmed]

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Year : 2005  |  Volume : 9  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 71-75 

Occupational overuse syndrome among keyboard users in Mauritius

AH Subratty, F KorumtolleeDepartment of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius

Correspondence Address:A H SubrattyDepartment of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Reduit Mauritius

DOI: 10.4103/0019-5278.16745

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    Abstract  

Ergonomics is a very important factor that cannot be over looked in the information technology working environment. This study was undertaken to assess reporting of occupational overuse syndrome (OOS) among keyboard users in Mauritius. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among 362 computer users. Two hundred completed questionnaires were returned and data analyzed. The main findings from the present work showed symptoms such as eye problems and lower back, neck and shoulder pain were common among computer users. Severity of pain increased with number of hours of computer use at work. Reporting of OOS was higher among females. In conclusion, it is proposed that computer users need to be provided with an ergonomically conducive environment as well as to be educated and trained with respect to OOS. Implementation of such program(s) will go a long way towards preventing appearance of OOS symptoms among the young population currently engaged in the IT sector in Mauritius.

Keywords: Computer, Environment, Mauritius, Musculoskeletal disorder, Occupational overuse, Pain, Repetitive stress injury, Syndrome

How to cite this article:Subratty AH, Korumtollee F. Occupational overuse syndrome among keyboard users in Mauritius. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2005;9:71-5

How to cite this URL:Subratty AH, Korumtollee F. Occupational overuse syndrome among keyboard users in Mauritius. Indian J Occup Environ Med [serial online] 2005 [cited 2011 Dec 13];9:71-5. Available from: http://www.ijoem.com/text.asp?2005/9/2/71/16745

  Introduction  

Occupational overuse syndrome (OOS) is the name given to a range of conditions usually caused or aggravated by poor work processes and unsuitable working conditions. The OOS is also known as 'repetitive strain injury' (RSI), repetitive motion injury (RMI), carpal tunnel syndrome, or tenosynovitis.[1] Such injuries may be induced by occupation, sports as well as leisure activities.[2] Several actions that involve repetitive or forceful movements and the maintenance of constrained or awkward postures have been associated with such a musculoskeletal disorder.[2] The condition is characterized by discomfort and persistent pain.

The characteristic symptoms of OOS often include swelling, numbness, restricted movement and weakness in or around muscles and tendons of the back, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands,

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or fingers. As such, for people experiencing symptoms of OOS, it may become difficult for them to hold objects or tools in their hands. These situations may thus affect the quality of life of the persons.[3]

The modernization in offices has led to the introduction of information technology (IT) tools in the work atmosphere. The acceptable trend in a normal working environment is consistent with the fact that more elements are becoming computerized and more people are using visual display terminals (VDT) and related equipment to complete their work. This situation is leading to an environment whereby many workers are exposed to potential problems associated with working with these equipment.[4] The prevalence of overuse injury due to keyboarding tasks among keyboard users has been recognized worldwide.[5] These tasks involve repetition of short movements within a short time.

In the literature, a myriad of factors have been identified to be associated with the development of OOS.[6] The OOS can also be caused because of maintaining constrained postures for prolonged periods of time that contributes to restricted blood flow to the muscles.[1],[6] Computer users adopt postures whereby the neck, shoulders and upper limbs remain in static positions for extended hours.[7],[8] The more time spent on this type of activity, the higher the risk of developing such injuries.[9] This fixed position also causes lower back pain due to the increased pressure on the vertebra while sitting. The sitting position, the type of chair, and use of footrest also affect the lower back.[8]

Although different management strategies have been developed to assist workers and supervisors to control such factors contributing to OOS, recent data indicate that the problem still persists.[9]-[11] The review by Punnett and Bergvist[12] concluded that the design of the workstation, long hours of computer use, and repetitive work such as keyboarding increased the risk of developing OOS symptoms. Studies have also shown that computer users are at greater risk of developing eye problems and visual fatigue.[9] The position of the screen, especially the height and distance have been shown to cause eye strain and focusing difficulties.

As can be summarized, OOS is associated with a variety of occupations including telecommunication workers[5] as well as newspaper workers.[6] Symptoms have also been reported among Nigerian University staff whereby 82% of the respondents had symptoms suggestive of OOS.[9]

Mauritius has been making new developments in the IT sector. This is reflected in the emergence of call centers, software development companies, and the first cybercity. The number of computer users in Mauritius is therefore on the rise and this is expected to increase further in the coming years. There is currently no data pertaining to OOS in Mauritius. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of OOS symptoms among keyboard users in Mauritius.

  Materials and methods  

The questionnaire

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The research tool was an adapted prevalidated questionnaire along the theme based on a survey carried out at Central Queensland University.[13] The questionnaire was divided into sections namely: clinical, computer use, workstation and work area, work environment, health indicators, and support. Data collected consisted of demographics such as age, sex, marital status and number of children. Other general information included weight, weight status, and job title. The questionnaire ends with a support section in which questions are asked about health and safety policies at work.

Participants

University employees, as well as public and private sector staff, who used computers during their working hours constituted the study population. Participants who use computer during their working hours and did not have any history of advanced muscular and bone disease were included into the study. Questionnaires were distributed and collected by the investigators. The participants were explained verbally and also provided with an information sheet about the rationale of the study, as well as the confidential nature of the information that was collected. Before entry into the study, participants had to sign a consent form.

A total of 326 questionnaires were distributed among computer users during the period August 2004-February 2005. Whenever there were delays in returning the questionnaires, a reminder was sent by e-mail or the respondent was contacted on the phone. At the end of data collection, completed questionnaires were reviewed before coding and entry for data analysis purposes.

Statistical analysis

The SPSS (Version 12.0.1 for Windows) package was used for the data analyses.

  Results  

Out of the 326 questionnaires distributed, 200 (62%) completed questionnaires were returned. Forty-one percent of participants were males, 58% were females, and 1% did not respond to this question. The age of participants ranged between 19 and 60 years. The participants all used a computer during their working hours and the job title included are shown in [Figure - 1].

None of the participants had any previously diagnosed disease such as rheumatism, arthritis, or osteoporosis. Less than 7% of participants suffered from diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. However, 30% of participants mentioned that they had some muscular problems and 12% were on mild anti-inflammatory drugs. Forty-one percent of participants reported using glasses, whereas use of contact lenses was prevalent among 13% of the study population.

Computer use

[Table - 1] shows the number of years and number of hours of computer used by participants. There were low percentages of participants with more than 15 years of computer use and only 1-2 h of computer work per day.

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Typing skills

About 73.5% of participants reported using all fingers, 20% used two fingers for typing, and 6.5% reported using two fingers and typed slowly. However, it was not assessed whether they followed typing courses or have any certificates in typing.

Work area and type of computer

The most popular type of work area is the multi-person office (57%) and 25% of participants work in individual office. The remaining used a combination of work areas including multi-person, individual office, and computer laboratories. The majority of participants (78%) reported using the desktop as the main type of computer used, 3.5% reported using a laptop and the remaining used a combination of both.

Interruptions/breaks

A large proportion (70%) of participants reported frequent interruptions during their daily work. Fifty percent of participants took breaks for stretching. However, it was noted that respondents were not too keen to provide information about the duration of the break they took. Of those who did respond, it was reported that the interval between breaks varied between 25 and 240 min. The great variation between breaks shows that it is possible that they took breaks after shorter lengths of time, but were not conscious of it.

Work environment

For 76.5% of respondents, their workload was manageable, whereas 17.5% of the study population found that it was too high. Four percent reported that their workload was relatively low. Pressure at work followed the same pattern as that of workload with 80% reporting a manageable level, 14% as too high, and 5% as too low. Most participants (85%) felt that their work environment was friendly, whereas 11.5% thought that it was not, and 3.5% did not respond.

Workstation and work area

[Table - 2] summarizes the main findings for the part of the questionnaire dedicated to the participants' workstation, and the area that they work in. The chair and keyboard types and height adjustments, presence of footrest, mouse position, monitor characteristics, environment and phone use were investigated.

Health indicators

When respondents were asked to rate their general health, 10% thought it was excellent, 50.5% rated their health as good, 36.5% thought it was satisfactory, and 2% rated themselves as having a poor health. Participants were also specified pain locations and were asked to rate the frequency of their pain. [Table - 3] shows the pain locations and their frequencies.

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On an average, 54.5% of participants had some type of pain from the listed locations. The highest prevalence was neck pain (76%), followed by shoulder pain (75.5%) and lower back pain (73%). Participants were also asked to specify the severity of pain at the different locations. [Figure - 2] shows the perceived severity of pain. Pains with highest severity were for headache, lower back neck and shoulder pain. Highest prevalence of moderate pain was for lower back, neck, shoulder, and migraine. Only 20% were reported to miss work due to OOS symptoms, and a maximum of 2 days work loss was reported and they all sought medical assistance.

Support

Aspects of support at work were also investigated. The majority of respondents, 88%, reported that their supervisor did not consider potential health effects and amount of time that would be required for tasks assigned. More than half of the respondents reported that they were trying to improve their work conditions. Some respondents, 34%, were aware of health and safety policies about computer use in general. However, 79% reported that they did not have any such policies at their work place.

  Discussion  

Occupational overuse syndrome, which is an ergonomic injury, is attracting much attention because this syndrome is becoming more frequent because decreased productivity and costs in worker compensation, and medical expenses are on the rise. Computer use is one of the numerous reasons for the increase in OOS.

The response rate (62%) obtained from participants in this study correlates with other studies. [6],[7],[8] The possible reasons for this response rate could be because of the possibility that nonrespondents are not willing to give personal information. It is also worth mentioning that the workforce in the IT sector in Mauritius is a relatively young population and have not yet started showing symptoms of OOS; thus this could be the reason for the lack of interest to fill and return the questionnaire. In the literature, it is evident that low rates of reporting could be due to the ignorance of significance of pain, strong work ethics, fear of losing job, economic pressure, absence of nonrepetitive duties, and attitudes of supervisor, health personnel and fellow workers.[2]

It was noted that 87% of respondents did not have a footrest and that 73% reported having lower back pain. This has also been reported in previous studies. The static sitting position for extended hours increases intradiscal pressure, disc degeneration, and poor disc nutrition may be related with the reported back pain.[8]

Previous studies have reported an association between VDT and eye problems.[14] A prevalence of 59.5% visual problems was found among respondents in the present study. Monitor height and glaze angle also affect the eyes, lower monitor height are likely to reduce eye discomforts.[10] In the present study, 66% did not have antiglare screen installed and >50% did not adjust monitor tilt to minimize glare. Such poor working conditions might be a possible explanation to the high

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rate of visual problems reported.

Neck and shoulder pain were among the most prevalent disorders, 76 and 75.5%, respectively. Previous studies have shown that computer users are at increased risk of having such symptoms.[15] Neck and shoulder pain could be caused by poor workstation position including sitting posture, monitor position and keyboard height.[15] Monitor height and flexion of the head to avoid glare are possible factors for the reported headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, and eye discomfort.[10] It is worth noting that in the present study, highest severity of pain was reported for neck and shoulder.

Tingling in the extremities was reported by more than 40% of respondents. This is an OOS symptom caused because of maintaining fixed positions for long hours.[7]

Studies have shown that short breaks have a protective effect over the development of OOS.[7],[11] In this study, it was found that 50% of participants took breaks to stretch and the interval between breaks ranged from 25 min to as long as 240 min. However, a study has shown that breaks at 20-minute interval were beneficial, whereas microbreaks did not have any protective effect.[16] It has been reported that many computer users are unaware of the importance of taking such breaks or do not have time to take breaks as they have to meet deadlines.[1] It was also found that the majority, 69%, of respondents were not aware of any health and safety policies on computer use in general, and a further 80% were not aware of any such policies at their current workplace. This shows the lack of information among computer users and therefore a need for prevention programs.

The main findings from the present study have highlighted eye problems, lower back pain, and severity of pain increased with number of hours of computer use as well as length of employment in the respective job. Report of symptoms of OOS was higher among female participants (58%). This situation could be explained by the fact that word processing duties, clerical works, and secretarial jobs are female-dominated duties and not due to discrimination.[8]

Our findings are in agreement with those reported elsewhere in the literature.[7],[8] In the United States and other Western industrialized countries, similar complaints involving visual problems and pain have been reported among computer users.[11],[14]

The OOS symptoms can vary from person to person and may often involve more than one part of the body.[2] Pain generally stops with rest, but prolonged periods of rest may be necessary to reduce severe pain.[2] If nothing is done to redesign the work area to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury, then permanent damage may result. The sufferer may have difficulties performing other activities such as reading and driving.[6]

If there is enough variation in the tasks, the body can recover from such stressful work. One has to take into account that the duration and the amount of time spent towards completing repetitive tasks over the working day are significant. So the concept of 'rest' time is an essential criterion that should not be overlooked.[1]

Our findings recommend the need to have modified worksite equipments that are essential to

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decrease awkward posture and poor body alignment. Such improvement in the working environment involve the need to provide comfortable seating options, wrist rests, foot rests, lowered keyboard heights and copyholders, thus ensuring good work habits.

  Conclusion  

Musculoskeletal disorder is one of the key health and safety issues of the modern IT era. There is need for implementation of programs that include the concepts of ergonomics, health education, training of personnel so as to be able to prevent and overcome the phenomenon of OOS.

  Acknowledgments  

The authors are grateful to the University of Mauritius for providing financial support for this work.

   References  

1. Bammer G. How technologic change can increase the risk of repetitive motion injuries. Seminars in Occup Med 1987;2:25-30.       

2. Browne CD, Nolan BM, Faithfull DK. Occupational repetition strain injuries: Guidelines for diagnosis and management. Med J Aust 1984;140:329-32.      [PUBMED]  

3. Taylor K. Research on RSI and Breaks. http://www.nichesoftware.com        4. Bholah R, Fagoonee I, Subratty AH. Sick Building Syndrome in Mauritius: are symptoms

associated with the office environment? Indoor Built Environ 2000;9:44-51.        5. Pan CS, Schleifer LM. An exploratory study of the relationship between biomechanical

factors and right-arm musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue in a VDT data-entry task. App Ergon 1996;27:195-200.      [PUBMED]  [FULLTEXT]

6. Jensen C, Ryholt CU, Burr H, Villadsen E, Christensen H. Work-related psychosocial, physical and individual factors associated with musculoskeletal ymptoms in computer users. Work & Stress 2002;16:107-20.        

7. Ortiz-Hernandez L, Tamez-Gonzalez S, Martinez-Alcantara S, Mendez-Ramfrez I. Computer use increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among newspaper office workers. Arch Med Res 2003;34:331-42.        

8. Green RA, Briggs CA. Prevalence of overuse injury among keyboard operators; characteristics of the job, operator and the work environment. J Occup Health Safety Aust New-Zealand 1990;6:109-18.        

9. Ijadunola KT, Ijadunola MY, Onayade AA.Perceptions of Occupational Hazards amongst Office Workers at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ilfe-Ife. Niger J Med 2003;12:134-9.

    10. Burgess-Limerick R, Plooy A, Fraser K, Ankrum DR. The influence of computer monitor

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height on head and neck posture. Int J Ind Ergon 1999;23:171-9.        11. Berghqvist U, Wolgast E, Nilsson B, Voss M. Musculoskeletal disorders among visual

display terminal workers: individual, ergonomic, and work organizational factors. Ergonomics 1995;38:763-76.        

12. Punnett L, Bergvist U. Visual display unit work and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Stockholm: National Institute for Working Life 1997.        

13. Zelmer AC. OOS and Computer use among NTEU members at CQU: Pilot Study report. Occupational overuse Syndrome (OOS) and computer use among NTEU members at Central Queensland University. Central Queensland University: 2000 .        

14. Berghqvist UO, Knave BG. Eye discomfort and work with visual display terminals. Scand J Work Environ Health 1994;20:27-33.        

15. Wahlstr φm J, Hagberg M, Toomingas A, Tornqvist WE. Perceived muscular tension, job strain, physical exposure, and associations with neck pain among VDU users; a prospective cohort study. Occup Environ Med 2004;61:523-8.        

16. McLean L, Tingley M, Scott RN, Rickards J. Computer terminal work and the benefit of microbreaks. App Ergon 2001;32:225-37.       

Figures

[Figure - 1],

[Figure - 2]

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[Table - 3]

This article has been cited by

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Kesavachandran, C., Rastogi, S., Das, M., Khan, A. Indian J Med Sci. 2006; 60(7): 300-307