Impact of Training Program on Awareness and Practice of Computer Ergonomics among Academic Staff

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.