Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Visual Display Terminal Users

A. Alazawi, Shahab

	Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Visual Display Terminal Users
Medical Journal of Tikrit
Article 1, Volume 1, Issue 181, 2012, Pages 127-132
Author
Shahab A. Alazawi
Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal pains are the main health problems reported by computer workers. There has been an increased frequency of ergonomic injuries and illness in the computer workstation. The increase in Visual Display Terminal (VDT) use has been associated with an increased prevalence of disorders in the neck, upper extremities and lower back of the body. Furthermore, poor workstation design has been associated with an increased risk of developing these symptoms. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among visual display terminal (VDT) users. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a two month period during the summer of 2010 in Baquba. One hundred twenty VDT workers are selected randomly comprising 60 male and 60 female. Questionnaire was performed among these VDT workers for study period to measure the prevalence during the previous 12 months of musculoskeletal disorders. The survey was carried out on the effect of work with VDTs on musculoskeletal disorders in workers in the computer workstation. Results: The result of this study was that the neck, shoulder and lower back problem are the main problems among VDT workers. Both male and female VDT workers also suffered pain in neck, shoulder, low back, forearm, wrist, elbow and the different parts of the upper extremities. This study revealed that the female VDT workers suffer more discomfort feeling than male VDT workers. Prolonged period of work in an awkward posture mainly lead to discomfort feeling among the VDT workers. The 12 month prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in various body parts were: neck (30.0%), back (28.3%), shoulder (18.3%), wrist (8.3%), forearm (6.6%) elbow (5.8%) and (2.5%) fingers. It was found that there was a gradual increase in musculoskeletal complaints as the number of hours spent for working on computers daily increased. Conclusions: It is concluded that; The VDT workers suffered pain mainly in neck, upper extremities and lower back of the body. As the duration of job increased, the risk for musculoskeletal symptoms significantly increased. Recommendation: More consideration should be paid to the ergonomics of workstations, the placing of the mouse, the postures of the upper extremities and the handling of the mouse.

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