Evaluation of Ergonomic Status of Computer Users in the Office Units by using the RULA and ROSA Methods

The rise of computer use in office workplace has increased the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among computer users. The MSDs cause to reduce productivity, increasing the intention to leave and costs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and evaluate the effective risk factors using ROSA and RULA methods. This cross sectional study was conduct on Shahroud University of Medical Sciences' office workers (n = 153) who work more than 2 hours per day with computer. The employers according to inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. The data collection were used by Nordic standardized questionnaire, RULA and ROSA methods and analyzed by independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression. In both of RULA and ROSA, the highest risk level was in level 2, 1 and 3 respectively. The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders from the Nordic questionnaire was for the lower back (52.6%). According to independent t-test was found a significant correlation between the scores of different parts of RULA and ROSA with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in some areas of the body. The correlation coefficient (Pearson) between the final scores of RULA and ROSA methods was 0. 764. The results of the logistic regression model showed that the lower back had a significant relationship with gender, work history, BMI & final score of RULA and ROSA. Based on the results of both RULA and ROSA methods, it is necessary to further assessment required as soon as possible. The prevalence of low back pain is higher than other parts of the body. As for the relationship between the low back pain prevalence and the ROSA score in the chair and monitor, it is necessary to focus on improving these equipment, also these methods can be used as predictors of the MSDs Incidence Probability.