PURPOSE: Occupational computer use has been associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among working-age adults, but little is known about computer-related musculoskeletal problems among college students. We carried out a descriptive epidemiological study of computer use-associated symptoms, functional limitations, and medication and health care utilization in this population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 240 undergraduates in the second through fourth years at a residential dormitory at a four-year college with random housing assignments. RESULTS: 194 students returned useable surveys (81% response rate). 42% reported upper extremity pain or discomfort when using a computer in the preceding two weeks. 41% said this pain or discomfort caused functional limitation and 9% said that these symptoms hindered academic or extracurricular performance. 23% reported taking medications for upper extremity pain related to computing (4% regularly) and 16% had seen a health care provider for computer-related symptoms. Female students, students of racial/ethnic minority groups, and students who experienced symptoms with < or = 1 hour of computer use were more likely to report symptom-related functional limitation than others. CONCLUSION: College students report high rates of computer use-associated upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and symptom-related functional limitation. Future studies should more closely examine exposure, demographic, and ergonomic correlates of these symptoms and outcomes.
PURPOSE: Occupational computer use has been associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among working-age adults, but little is known about computer-related musculoskeletal problems among college students. We carried out a descriptive epidemiological study of computer use-associated symptoms, functional limitations, and medication and health care utilization in this population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 240 undergraduates in the second through fourth years at a residential dormitory at a four-year college with random housing assignments. RESULTS: 194 students returned useable surveys (81% response rate). 42% reported upper extremity pain or discomfort when using a computer in the preceding two weeks. 41% said this pain or discomfort caused functional limitation and 9% said that these symptoms hindered academic or extracurricular performance. 23% reported taking medications for upper extremity pain related to computing (4% regularly) and 16% had seen a health care provider for computer-related symptoms. Female students, students of racial/ethnic minority groups, and students who experienced symptoms with < or = 1 hour of computer use were more likely to report symptom-related functional limitation than others. CONCLUSION: College students report high rates of computer use-associated upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and symptom-related functional limitation. Future studies should more closely examine exposure, demographic, and ergonomic correlates of these symptoms and outcomes.
Authors: Cammie Chaumont Menéndez; Benjamin C Amick; Mark Jenkins; Cyrus Caroom; Michelle Robertson; Ronald B Harrist; Jeffrey N Katz Journal: Am J Ind Med Date: 2009-02 Impact factor: 2.214
Authors: Cammie Chaumont Menéndez; Benjamin C Amick Iii; Che-Hsu Joe Chang; Jack T Dennerlein; Ronald B Harrist; Mark Jenkins; Michelle Robertson; Jeffrey N Katz Journal: Work Date: 2009
Authors: Cammie Chaumont Menéndez; Benjamin C Amick Iii; Che-Hsu Joe Chang; Ronald B Harrist; Mark Jenkins; Michelle Robertson; Ira Janowitz; David M Rempel; Jeffrey N Katz; Jack T Dennerlein Journal: Work Date: 2009
Authors: Katie R Hosteng; Alison Phillips Reichter; Jacob E Simmering; Lucas J Carr Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-07-13 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Paula T Hakala; Lea A Saarni; Ritva L Ketola; Erja T Rahkola; Jouko J Salminen; Arja H Rimpelä Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2010-01-11 Impact factor: 3.295