Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34605825›Full record

Observational studyInternational journal of occupational medicine and environmental health2022

Evaluation of computer workstations ergonomics and its relationship with reported musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among university employees in Jordan.

Batool Sama'an Shahwan, Waddah Mohammad D'emeh, Mohammed Ibrahim Yacoub

Open access · goldAbstract readObservational Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed
2.4field-weighted citation impact, top 11% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed, 16 citations in OpenAlex.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.

Batool Sama'an ShahwanAlfayha Model Academy, Amman, Jordan.
Waddah Mohammad D'emehThe University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan (School of Nursing, Community Health Nursing Department).
Mohammed Ibrahim YacoubThe University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan (School of Nursing, Department of Clinical Nursing).
University of Jordan · JO

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesComputer workstations are considered a potential workplace hazard. This study sought to evaluate computer workstation ergonomics in a university office environment, and to determine its relationship with musculoskeletal (MS) and visual symptoms reported by employees. MATERIAL AND

methodsThis was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 231 university employees were recruited using a stratified random sampling technique. By means of direct observation, computer workstations were evaluated using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Ergonomic Computer Workstation Evaluation Checklist. In addition, the participants reported MS and visual symptoms during the past week and 12 months by completing questionnaires.

resultsSeveral ergonomic deficiencies in computer workstations were identified. Seating, working area, and keyboard and input devices had the most documented deficits. A significant proportion of employees reported various MS symptoms during the past 12 months. The most affected body parts were the shoulders (37%), the lower back (34%), and the neck (29%). The most prevalent visual symptom was tired eyes (68%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that MS symptoms, such as ache, pain and discomfort, were significantly associated with the total scores on the OSHA components. Deficits in monitor ergonomics and its placement, particularly the presence of glare reflected on the screen, were also associated with reported visual symptoms. Independent variables, such as gender, age, employment duration, job type, daily computer work hours, and work pattern, reliably predicted the participants' reported experience of various MS and visual symptoms.

conclusionsBoth MS and visual symptoms are associated with deficits in computer workstation ergonomics. Appropriate strategies, work practices, and preventive measures are needed to eliminate occupational hazards associated with computer workstations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):141-56.

Indexed as

Musculoskeletal DiseasesOccupational DiseasesComputersCross-Sectional StudiesErgonomicsHumansJordanPainUniversitiescomputer workstationsergonomicsJordanmusculoskeletal symptomsvisual symptomsworkplace safety

Identifiers

PMID34605825
PMCPMC10464782
OpenAlexW3204488209

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.