Abstract:
In this advanced era, the education curriculum has a significant dependence on the use of
modern technological devices such as computers. Improper use of such devices may, however,
accompany a number of occupational health hazards like repetitive strain injuries. This in
turn can affect the productivity of academic staff. The purpose of the study was to assess the
knowledge and practice of computer ergonomics and its associated health-related disorders
and also to evaluate the effectiveness of training in the given matter.
Quasi-experimental research design; one group pretest-posttest of 103 academic staff of two
private and two public universities in Dhaka was employed to observe the effectiveness of
computer ergonomics training. The study participants were subjected to self-report inventory
and observation of computer workstation. Moreover, in-depth interviews were conducted
on six participants. After the baseline survey, participants were given training in computer
ergonomics and a three month window period was allotted before post-training evaluation.
Findings reveal that the major reported pain was in the back, shoulders and neck region.
Multivariate analysis shows back pain (p=0.048) and overall MSE pain (p=0.043) to be
significantly higher among public university academic staff. The reported complaints among
males to some extent was more for shoulders as compared to females (p=0.005). Back pain was
lower among those who knew proper distance, height and location of the monitor (p=0.026)
and practiced appropriate position of the keyboard and mouse (p=0.026). Neck pain was more
among participants below 40 years of age (p=0.048). Then again, it was less for those who
knew height adjustments of the workstation chair (p=0.008) and practiced proper monitor
angling (p=0.002). Overall MSE pain was lower among participants who knew proper seat
tilt, depth and width pan of the chair (p=0.002) and practiced proper monitor angling (0.001).
Furthermore, Mcnemar test results show that the awareness and practice related to computer
ergonomics significantly increased after training (p=0.000).
As analysis reflects, MSDs are less among academic staff who have better knowledge and
practice computer ergonomics. Also, the given training is seen to be effective to enhance the
knowledge and practice related aspects. Nonetheless, to reduce and prevent the overall risk of
MSDs, a multi prolonged approach is required.
Description:
Working Paper is a routine publication of EWUCRT. This is a preliminary research report
published after its review by at least two experts in the field. Thereafter, it is circulated to a
wider audience of readers including students, faculty and specialists in the field for comments.
EWUCRT earnestly requests comments from the readers of the report and share those with
us electronically using e-mail id: ewucrt@ewubd.edu