Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with University Students Computer Users: A Cross-Sectional Study

While several studies have examined the prevalence and correlates of musculoskeletal problems among university students, scanty information exists in South African context. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, causes and consequences of musculoskeletal problems among University of Venda students’ computer users. This cross-sectional study involved 694 university students at the University of Venda. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect information on the sociodemographic characteristics, problems associated with computer users, and causes of musculoskeletal problems associated with computer users. The majority (84.6%) of the participants use computer for internet, wording processing (20.3%), and games (18.7%). The students reported neck pain when using computer (52.3%); shoulder (47.0%), finger (45.0%), lower back (43.1%), general body pain (42.9%), elbow (36.2%), wrist (33.7%), hip and foot (29.1%) and knee (26.2%). Reported causes of musculoskeletal pains associated with computer usage were: sitting position, low chair, a lot of time spent on computer, uncomfortable laboratory chairs, and stressfulness. Eye problems (51.9%), muscle cramp (344.0%), headache (45.3%), blurred vision (38.0%), feeling of illness (39.9%) and missed lectures (29.1%) were consequences of musculoskeletal problems linked to computer use. The majority of students reported having mild pain (43.7%), moderate (24.2%), and severe (8.4%) pains. Years of computer use were significantly associated with neck, shoulder and wrist pain. Using computer for internet was significantly associated with neck pain (OR=0.60; 95% CI 0.40-0.93); games: neck (OR=0.60; 95% CI 0.40-0.85) and hip/foot (OR=0.60; CI 95% 0.40-0.92), programming for elbow (OR= 1.78; CI 95% 1.10-2.94) and wrist (OR=2.25; CI 95% 1.36-3.73), while word processing was significantly associated with lower back (OR=1.45; CI 95% 1.03-2.04). Undergraduate study had a significant association with elbow pain (OR=2.47; CI 95% 1.03-5.95). There is high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among the University of Venda students which were predominantly neck, shoulder and wrist pain, attributed to prolonged time on the computer/incorrect sitting position, uncomfortable laboratory chairs and stress.