Iran Occupational Health

Background and aims: The risk of musculoskeletal disorders is high among computer users compared to other occupations. Prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal in computer users is 50 percent. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and predictors of proper posture based on stages of change model among computer users in Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: This descriptive cross - sectional study conducted on 176 computer users. The subjects were selected by simple random sampling method. Data collection was accomplished through Nordic standardized questionnaire to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and a researcher made questionnaire to examine the predictors of compliance with proper posture based on stages of change that its validity and reliability were confirmed by use of content validity test and test –retest. Data analysis was done using the descriptive (such as number, percent, mean and standard deviation) and analytic (Correlation co-efficient test) statistics.

Results: 159 subjects (90.3 percent) didn’t observe proper posture in use of computer. The most common symptom of musculoskeletal disorders were in the neck 59.7 %, shoulders 42 %, waist 41.5% and the back 39.2% respectively. Mean score of the model constructs (stage of change, perceived benefits and barriers, self-efficacy, and process of change) were moderate. Conclusion: Prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders particularly in the neck, shoulders and waist was high in the samples, and Implementation of intervention programs in the workplace seem necessary.