Work related health problems among female desktop computer users
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Date
2018
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Publisher
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The present study entitled “Work related health problems among female desktop computer
users” was conducted with an aim to study the job profile and work station design of selected
female office employees using desktop computer, to investigate the health problems
associated with computer use in terms of biomechanical stresses and ocular discomfort and to
design and evaluate on-the-job fitness programme as an intervention for prevention of health
problems among users. The study was conducted in two phases field survey and field
experiment. Field survey was conducted on 80 female office employees of Punjab
Agricultural University, Ludhiana in the age group of 30-50 years who have been working on
computer for 4-6 hours daily and at least for last three years. Results revealed that the
workstation of the respondents was not properly designed. Modified computer workstation
checklist enfolds that furniture was not found adjustable. Ergonomic Stress Index was used to
recognize the common cause of discomfort and pain and result shows that problem of pain
was more in head (mean score 2.75), low back (mean score 2.4) and neck (mean score 2.33).
According to Cornell Body Discomfort Survey Worksheet it was again observed that problem
was more in head (Discomfort Score 27.00%), eye (Discomfort Score 23.00%) and neck
(Discomfort Score 13.00%). Female workers using desktop computers were facing problems
like musculoskeletal discomfort and strain on eyes and leading to blurred vision. For field
experiment, 20 female employees were selected with normal physiological parameters from
the sample of field survey. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool was used to assess
the postural discomfort which revealed further investigation and change may be needed in
posture. Intervention programme in the form of on the job fitness exercises was implemented
and results indicated that there is reduction in discomfort faced by respondents after
performing exercises and stretches.