Factors related to musculoskeletal disorders among undergraduate students using computer of naresuan university

Abstract

          A cross-sectional descriptive study aims to investigate prevalence and factors related to musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) of undergraduate students using a computer at Naresuan University. The study comprised a total of 212 students. Data were collected using a questionnaire regarding personal factors, factors related to computer using and musculoskeletal disorder. Factors related to MSDs were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The results indicated that the most of the students were female (54.2%) with an average age of 21.00 ± 0.83 years old. Their time of computer use was ≥ 4 hours per day (52.36%). The top three prevalence of MSDs were neck (70.8%), lower back (53.3%) and upper back (50.5%), respectively. In addition, gender (p-value = 0.019), exercise (p-value = 0.047), age (p-value = 0.042), duration of computer use per day (p-value = 0.003) and duration of computer use without break (p-value = 0.028) were significantly associated with MSDs at 95%CI. Therefore, a University should have a health promotion program for students who use computers. In addition, training on the proper using of computers should be provided in order to prevent or reduce the severity of MSDs.