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Study to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and workstation ergonomics compliance among computer users at a referral Hospital in Kigali-Rwanda
Date Issued
2018-04-16
Author(s)
MBABAZI SYLVIA
University of Global Health Equity
Abstract
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is common among computer users and poses a huge financial burden to
patients, their families and society. Proper ergonomics can help to reduce the incidence of LBP,
yet little is known on the magnitude of this problem or ergonomic compliance at KFH, Kigali.
Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LBP among computer users at KFH
workstation, ergonomics compliance, and the associated risk factors by February 2018.
Methods: A quantitative cross- sectional study design was done on 36 computer users at KFH.
A self reported questionnaire with 27 questions was used to determine the prevalence of LBP
and identify associated risk factors. An ergonomic observation checklist with 10 criteria was
used to assess the workstation ergonomics compliance rate.
Results: A total of 36 computer users responded to questionnaires and consented to be observed. The LBP
prevalence among computer users was 80.6%. The mean ergonomics knowledge score was
51.39%, and the mean ergonomic compliance rate was 18.8%.
There were no statistically significant associations detected between the presence of LBP and
gender, age, computer ergonomics knowledge level, or ergonomic compliance level.
Conclusion: The results of this study inform the decision makers at KFH that the prevalence of LBP among
computer users at KFH was high yet their ergonomic knowledge and compliance were very low.
It is recommended that KFH strive to protect and improve their employees’ health by providing
extra keyboards and mouses to those who use laptops as well as simple wood boards to raise the
laptops, and by providing cushion rolls for lumbar support and foot steps/stools to those whose
feet do not step flat on the floor to their computer using staff. These small investments will be
more cost effective, efficient and practical than buying new adjustable orthopedic chairs and
desks.
It is also recommended that the hospital provide guidelines and staff trainings on proper
computer ergonomics annually, to raise staff awareness on this issue. These practical measures
may ultimately reduce the high prevalence of LBP at KFH.
patients, their families and society. Proper ergonomics can help to reduce the incidence of LBP,
yet little is known on the magnitude of this problem or ergonomic compliance at KFH, Kigali.
Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LBP among computer users at KFH
workstation, ergonomics compliance, and the associated risk factors by February 2018.
Methods: A quantitative cross- sectional study design was done on 36 computer users at KFH.
A self reported questionnaire with 27 questions was used to determine the prevalence of LBP
and identify associated risk factors. An ergonomic observation checklist with 10 criteria was
used to assess the workstation ergonomics compliance rate.
Results: A total of 36 computer users responded to questionnaires and consented to be observed. The LBP
prevalence among computer users was 80.6%. The mean ergonomics knowledge score was
51.39%, and the mean ergonomic compliance rate was 18.8%.
There were no statistically significant associations detected between the presence of LBP and
gender, age, computer ergonomics knowledge level, or ergonomic compliance level.
Conclusion: The results of this study inform the decision makers at KFH that the prevalence of LBP among
computer users at KFH was high yet their ergonomic knowledge and compliance were very low.
It is recommended that KFH strive to protect and improve their employees’ health by providing
extra keyboards and mouses to those who use laptops as well as simple wood boards to raise the
laptops, and by providing cushion rolls for lumbar support and foot steps/stools to those whose
feet do not step flat on the floor to their computer using staff. These small investments will be
more cost effective, efficient and practical than buying new adjustable orthopedic chairs and
desks.
It is also recommended that the hospital provide guidelines and staff trainings on proper
computer ergonomics annually, to raise staff awareness on this issue. These practical measures
may ultimately reduce the high prevalence of LBP at KFH.
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