Risk Factors Responsible for Musculoskeletal Pain among Computer Operators

Introduction: Computers have become an epitome of modern life, being used in every aspect of life. Work related musculoskeletal pain among employees working on computer and peripheral devices in information technology sections has been a major concern in recent years. It is multidimensional which is associated with, and influenced by, a complex array of individual, physical and work – related factors. Apart from lowering the quality of workers’ life it is also responsible for negative impact on mental health. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among computer operators, variation over Demographic data and to identify the risk factors responsible for their occurrence. This study was also to find the prevalence of stress facing in daily life due to the musculoskeletal symptoms among computer operators. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among Sample size of 715 Computer Operators working in various sectors. They were selected from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and other city of Odisha and also recruited from outside of Odisha like Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow etc. to get maximum participation from Computer Operators. Face-to-face interviews as well as Online/ mail Survey were employed. Self-administered Questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding Demographic data, working environment, working time and hours of work on computer, short break, physical activity and respondent were asked to mark the body region where they experience pain, duration of pain and Psychological stress. Results: Result of the study showed that the Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among computer operators was (76%). The body region most affected was the lower back pain which was highest (59.86 %) followed by Neck pain (47.13%), Upper back (46.43%) Shoulder (46.43%), Wrist (38.04)% Hip/Buttock (37.90%), Knee (37.62%) and lower leg (34.82%). The risk factors for musculoskeletal were female sex, prolong use of computer, prolong working hours, BMI >24.9, longer work experience, shift duty and sedentary life. Self-reported risk factors were work related risk factors like working in same position for long periods, work station issues, repetitive work, and pressure to meet the targets. Besides this, it has also been found that musculoskeletal pain was risk factor for mental stress. Conclusion: The study found that significant proportion of computer operators were found to have musculoskeletal pain. This study has also brought into focus the factors contributing to the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain. Thus, there is need of educating regarding risk factors for developing musculoskeletal pain and its impact on physical and mental health, training programme on prevention and coping strategies should be considered as an integral part of prevention and management of computer professionals who are at high risk for developing musculoskeletal pain.