Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Visual Problems among Software Engineers and its Association with Work Related Variables Smitha M C1,*, Shree Amogha2, Hari Aiswarya3, Murthy M R Narayana4 1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysuru 2Postgraduate, Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysuru 3Undergraduate, Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysuru 4Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysuru *Corresponding author: Dr. Smitha M C Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India Phone (or Mobile) No.: +91-8971959955 Email: smithu.mc@gmail.com
Online published on 26 September, 2019. Abstract Background WHO refers musculoskeletal disorder as “work-related conditions” because they can be caused by work exposures as well as non-work factors. They form the second greatest cause of disability, as measured by years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide and across most regions of the world. With the increase in the computer usage in every field, with the IT boom and with the vision of digitalized India; studies on health among computer users is the need of the hour. Objectives 1. To estimate the prevalence of Work related Musculoskeletal Disorder and Computer Vision Syndrome 2. To assess the association of work related exposure variables with Work related Musculoskeletal Disorder and Computer Vision Syndrome. Methodology ACross-sectional study conducted among IT professionals with minimum of 6 months of work experience and minimum 4 hours of working on computers daily were included in the study. Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to collect information on musculoskeletal symptoms, visual symptoms and work related variables. Results 89% of the study participants had work related musculoskeletal disorders. Majority had trouble in lower-back followed by neck, wrist and shoulder. Significant statistical association was found between work related exposure variables: age, sex, number of breaks taken during working hours and years of experience with WMSD. The prevalence of Computer vision syndrome is seen to be 86.5%. Majority of them had redness of eyes followed by headache, watering of eyes and burning/itching sensation in the eyes. Association of sex, exercise, and breaks taken during working hours had significant statistical association with CVS. Conclusion In the present study, more than three fourth were found to have WMSD and CVS. Proper ergonomics at work place and periodic health checkups of employees by physician and ophthalmologist will reduce WMSD and CVS. Top Keywords Work related musculoskeletal disorders, Computer vision syndrome, IT professionals, India. Top |