A Study of Computer Related Musculoskeletal and Visual Health Problems among Computer Users and its Association with Desktop Ergonomics in the Gujarat State, A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Technological advances, particularly integration computer in day to day work leads to Musculoskeletal and Visual problems. There must be link between the use of computers and health related issues arise among users. Objectives: To determine the magnitude of Musculoskeletal and Visual problems, effect of increase in time of computer usage on various health issues and prevalence of inappropriate ergonomics practices related to computer usage. Results: Around 85% users were right handed, 70% were having education of graduate or above. Among all users, 67% were using desktop and laptop both simultaneously. Around 60% participants were using computers for more than 8 years. Among all musculoskeletal problems, almost half of the participants have redness of eye, itching/burning and irritation of eye. Majority of the participants had pain/stiffness in neck and lower back, musculoskeletal related issues. Conclusions: The neck, lower back and upper back areas were found to be the most affected areas due to computer usage. Redness, irritation and itching were common eye related problems.