The Factors Related to Preventive Behaviors of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Computer Workers

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common health problems in computer workers and appropriate behaviors at work are needed. Therefore, this descriptive correlational study aimed to investigate preventive behaviors of MSDs and the relationship between predisposing factors, enabling factors, reinforcing factors, and preventive behaviors of MSDs in computer workers. The samples were 172 support staff working with computer in the selected university. The research instrument used was a five-part questionnaire developed by the researcher, which consisted of 1) personal data; 2) predisposing factors: knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy; 3) enabling factors: equipment or tools used to support work, health promotion policy of organization, and obtaining health information; 4) reinforcing factors: social support from family members and colleagues; and 5) preventive behaviors of MSDs in computer workers: working posture adjustment, exercise and muscle training, taking breaks during the workday, and stress management. Data collection was carried out from July, 2021 to August, 2021. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis was carried out by using Point Biserial Correlation Coefficients and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The results of this study revealed that preventive behaviors of MSDs in computer workers were at the moderate level. The factors related to preventive behaviors of MSDs in computer workers showed that predisposing factors including attitude and self-efficacy were significantly correlated at the low and moderate levels, respectively (r = .21 and .39, p < .01). The enabling factors including equipment or tools used to support work were correlated at the low level with statistical significance (r = .22, p < .01). Health promotion policy of organization and obtaining health information were correlated at the moderate levels with statistical significance (r = .39, and .47, p < .01). The reinforcing factors including social support from family members and colleagues were significantly correlated at the moderate level (r = .49, p < .01). The results suggested that occupational health nurses and health care workers should promote the ability to adjust safe working behaviors for computer workers, increase social support, give advices through various media, and set policies for the prevention of MSDs while working with computers in the organization to reduce the risk and severity of MSDs.