Work-related arm, neck, and shoulder complaints in computer workers in Sri Lanka
Author Information
Author(s): Ranasinghe Priyanga, Perera Yashasvi S, Lamabadusuriya Dilusha A, Kulatunga Supun, Jayawardana Naveen, Rajapakse Senaka, Katulanda Prasad
Primary Institution: University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of arm, neck, and shoulder complaints among computer office workers in Sri Lanka, and how valid is a translated risk-factor questionnaire?
Conclusion
The one-year prevalence of arm, neck, and shoulder complaints among computer office workers in Sri Lanka is similar to that found in developed countries, and the translated questionnaire is reliable for assessing risk factors.
Supporting Evidence
- The one-year prevalence of CANS was found to be 63.6%.
- Mild cases accounted for 53.7% and severe cases for 10%.
- Neck and shoulder complaints were the most common, affecting 36.1% and 34.3% respectively.
- The translated questionnaire showed satisfactory psychometric properties.
Takeaway
Many computer workers in Sri Lanka have pain in their arms, necks, and shoulders, just like in richer countries, and we have a good questionnaire to help find out why.
Methodology
The study involved 440 computer office workers who completed a translated questionnaire assessing their complaints and potential risk factors.
Potential Biases
The convenience sampling may not represent all computer office workers in Sri Lanka.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships, and the sample was a convenience sample.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 38.2 years, with 42.7% males; participants worked at a telecommunication company in Colombo.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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