Musculoskeletal disorders & ergonomic considerations in computer use among medical sciences students

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common consequences of poor working conditions associated with computer use. Regarding the lack of information about MSDs and the extensive use of computer among the university students in our country، this study aimed to explore the awareness level of ergonomic considerations in computer use and the prevalence of MSDs among university students. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 students of three faculties of medicine، dentistry and paramedical of Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2012. The subjects were selected by simple sampling method. The data were gathered by the researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 6 open and 10 closed questions. Data processing was performed by using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The mean (SD) age of students was 21. 7 (2. 5) years، 64% were females and 67% were undergraduate students. Ninety percent of the students had personal computer and 48% had spent 1 hour or more on their computer daily. It has been reported that approximately 55% of students had suffered from MSDs and less than 10% of them had been familiar with ergonomic considerations in computer use. Chi-square test indicated a significant difference in the incidence of MSDs in terms of the duration of working with computer (p<0. 05). The complaints of MSDs in about half of the students and the lack of awareness of ergonomic considerations in most of them suggest the possibility of increasing future problems. Therefore، regarding the inclination of most students in receiving information and their influential role in the dissemination of knowledge، performing interventional programs including education in computer ergonomic principles is recommended.