Posture related musculoskeletal discomfort and its association with computer use among university students.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to assess the association of postural musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use and to determine its contributing factors among undergraduate university students. A comparative cross sectional study with a sample of 136 students was conducted at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University. Musculoskeletal discomfort was calculated using ssCMDQ. A positive association of musculoskeletal discomfort was found with duration of computer use (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in musculoskeletal discomfort scores based on the type of posture adopted (P<0.05), however no significant differences were observed in terms of discomfort based on gender, ergonomic awareness and type of computer used (P>0.05). The findings of this study reveal that risk factors for postural discomfort include posture, duration and type of computer used however ergonomic awareness and gender is not associated with the buildup of musculoskeletal discomfort. Ideal posture to be adopted during computer use is supported sitting on chair with computer on desk.