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38]

Original Article

Computer related health problems among software

professionals in Mumbai: A cross-sectional study
Saurabh R Shrivastava, Prateek S Bobhate
Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Kaanchepuram, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT
Context: Computers have become an epitome of modern
life, being used in every aspect of life. This has also ushered
in a new genre of occupation-related health problem.
Aims: To estimate prevalence of health problems among
software professionals. Settings and Design: Cross-
sectional descriptive study of 4 months duration from
January 2011 to April 2011 was conducted among software
professionals working with a private firm. Materials and
Methods: List of software professionals working with the
firm was obtained and then all professionals satisfying the
inclusion criteria were included as study subjects. Inclusion
Criteria: working in current job since past 6 months and on
computer for at least 4 h/day. The selected study participants
were then interviewed face to face using a pre-tested semi-
structured questionnaire after taking their informed consent.
Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 17 using the
chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of any type of
computer-related morbidity in software professionals was
178 (89%). The proportion of visual, musculoskeletal, and
stress was found to be 67%, 63%, and 44%, respectively.
A statistically significant association was found between
subjects with visual and musculoskeletal complaints
using antiglare screen and soft keypads and those not
using them respectively. Conclusions: Ocular discomfort,
musculo-skeletal disorders and psycho-social problems
form key category of health problems found among constant
computer users. This study has also brought into focus
factors contributing to the occurrence of these problems.
Thus, the problem requires a multidisciplinary action and
hence there is an immediate need for the concerned
authorities to collaborate and enforce suitable preventive
measures.
Key words: Computer, ergonomics, software
professionals, standardized nordic questionnaire
INTRODUCTION
India has been in the forefront in cyber world with
information technology (IT) industry developing into
a major service provider. There are approximately six-
computers/1000 population with an installation of
18 million personal computers (PCs) and their number
increasing all the time.[1] This has also ushered in a new
genre of occupational health problem, i.e. of computer-
related health problems.
Using the wrong chair or just sitting improperly in front of
a computer for long time can lead to chronic debilities such
as stiffness, headache, and backache. Muscles and tendons
can become inflamed due to greater periods of sitting on
PC’s. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common example of
an overuse injury associated with computer work.[2] The
proliferation of video display terminals (VDT), in the
modern office setting has generated concern related to
potential health hazards associated with their use.[3]
Surveys of computer workers reveal that vision-related
problems are the most frequently reported health-related
problems, occurring in over 70% of computer workers.[4]
Aspects of the design of the computer video display such
as screen resolution and contrast, image refresh rates and
flicker, and screen glare, as well as working distances and
angles all may contribute to worker symptoms.[5,6]
In a study done in Loni, Maharashtra, it was observed
that in 93.3% of study subjects had one or more computer-
related health problem, the most common complaint being
musculoskeletal (73.3%) followed by ocular (65.3%) and
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Address for correspondence: Dr. Saurabh R. Shrivastava,

DOI:
Department of Community Medicine, Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and
10.4103/2278-344X.101684
Research Institute, Kaanchepuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: drshrishri2008@gmail.com

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Shrivastava and Bobhate: Computer related health problems
psychosocial (46.0%).[7] In a study done in India it was
observed that 75.5% and 59.4% respondents had musculo-
skeletal discomfort and computer vision syndrome,
respectively.[8] In a study done in Chennai among software
professionals, the prevalence of Carpal tunnel syndrome
was found to be 13.1%.[9]
The present study was thus aimed at exploring the
magnitude and pattern of computer-related health
problems among the software professionals and to study its
association with their working environmental conditions.
The findings of the study can be utilized in making policy
decisions and will also re-emphasize the importance of
ergonomics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study design and setting
A cross-sectional descriptive study of 4-month duration
from January 2011 to April 2011 was conducted among
software professionals working with a private firm.
Permission from the Managing Director of the firm was
taken prior to the start of study.
Selection of participants
Universal sampling method was used. List of software
professionals working with the firm was obtained and
then all professionals satisfying the inclusion criteria were
included as study subjects. All the participants were assured
that findings of the study will not have any impact on their
continuation of job. The total sample size for the study
was 200.
Inclusion criteria
Subject working in the current job since past 6 months;
subject working on computer for at least 4 h/day and subject
giving consent for the study.
Exclusion criteria
Those subjects who did not consent for the study.
The study participants were explained about the aim of
the study and they were assured that findings of the study
will not have any impact on their job. The days and time
of the interview were fixed according to the convenience
of both study subjects as well as investigator. There were
no drop outs.
Methods of measurement
Study subjects were then interviewed face to face using a
pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire after taking their
informed consent.
International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences • Vol. 1 • Issue 2 • Apr-Jun 2012
Data collection
Data collection was done with the help of the questionnaire.
The questionnaire included details about socio-demographic
information as well as details regarding working hours,
working environment, experiencing any problem while
working on computer, and the kind of problems perceived.
Various tools were used as a part of the study like the
standardized nordic questionnaire was administered to assess
musculoskeletal problems.[10] Depression was measured using
Zung’s self rating depression scale and Hamilton’s depression
rating scale.[11] Visual acuity was also assessed using Snellen’s
chart (for distant vision) and Jaeger’s chart (for near vision).
In the study, stress was operationally defined by the presence
of at least 3 of the following symptoms - insomnia, loss of
mental concentration, anxiety, absenteeism, depression,
substance abuse, extreme anger and frustration, family
conflict, headache, migraine.
Statistical method
Data entry and statistical analysis were done using SPSS
version 17. The chi-square test for testing the significance of
association at P value of 0.05 and 0.01 was used to assess
the association between socio-demographic parameters and
visual/Musculo-skeletal/ocular morbidities. Frequency
distributions were calculated for all the variables.
Ethical guidelines followed by the investigators
Approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee was
taken before the start of the study. Written informed consent
was taken from the study participants before obtaining any
information from them. Privacy and confidentiality was
strictly maintained.
RESULTS
The mean age of study subjects was 28.23 ± 4.3 years with
48.5% of subjects being in the age group of 20-39 years. The
male:female ratio was 3:2. Among all study participants,
eldest person age was 52 years.
Table 1 shows the age and sex wise distribution of visual,
musculoskeletal complaints, and stress among the study
participants. A statistically significant association was
observed between the age of study participants and visual
complaints/musculo-skeletal complaints and stress.
Depression was present in 8% by Zungs self-rating scale
and in 6% by Hamilton depression-scale of the participants
and most of these had minimal to mild depression. On use
of Snellen-Jaeger’s chart, 39 (19.5%) were found to be both
myopic and hypermetropic, 44 (22%) were only myopic,
and 67 (33.5%) hypermetropic.
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Shrivastava and Bobhate: Computer related health problems

Table 1: Distribution of study participants according to the type of complaints

Parameters Type of complaints
Visual* Musculo-Skeletal† Stress‡ Any complaint§
Age (years)
20-35 (n = 61) 42 (68.9) 37 (60.7) 47 (77) 51 (83.6)
35-50 (n = 67) 54 (80.6) 28 (41.8) 17 (25.4) 58 (86.6)
>50 (n = 72) 38 (52.8) 59 (81.9) 24 (33.3) 69 (95.8)
Sex
Male (n = 124) 81 (65.3) 73 (58.8) 58 (47.3) 109 (87.9)
Female (n = 76) 53 (69.7) 51 (67.1) 30 (39.9) 69 (90.7)
Total (n = 200) 134 (67) 124 (62%) 88 (44%) 178 (89%)
Age: P value: * = 0.002, † = 0.0001, ‡ = 0.001, § = 0.05; Sex: P value: * = 0.52, † = 0.24, ‡ = 0.31, § = 0.53; Figures in parenthesis are in percentage

Table 2 shows the distribution of stress among the software Table 2: Distribution of stress according to marital
professionals depending on their marital status. It was status of study participants
observed that the percentage of stress related to work was Marital status Stress Total
much higher among the unmarried 68 (77.3%) professionals Present Absent
Married 20 (22.7) 47 (42) 67 (33.5)
than in the married 20 (22.7%) professionals and this
Unmarried 68 (77.3) 65 (58) 133 (66.5)
distribution was found to be highly significant (P < 0.01)
Total 88 (100) 112 (100) 200 (100)
on applying the chi square test. Df 1; chi 8.186; P = 0.004; Figures in parenthesis are in percentage

Table 3 depicts the distribution of visual and musculoskeletal
complaints among the software professionals. Redness in
the eyes was the most common visual complaint cited by
54 (40.2%) participants. 57 (45.2%) participants recorded
pain/stiffness in neck as the most common musculo-skeletal
complaint.
The probable explanation for differences in the prevalence
rates of computer-related problems in various studies
depend upon factors like workstation environment, degree
of immobilization and levels of constrained postures,
awareness levels, and practices of workers regarding
computer ergonomics.

Table 4 shows a significant association between number
of working hours on computer and musculo-skeletal
complaints. Similarly, musculo-skeletal complaints and
stress was observed to have a significant association with
duration of work.
Table 5 shows that software professionals who were working
on a computer having an antiglare screen had much lower
frequency of visual complaints (53.4%) when compared
with those who were not using it (72.5%). This distribution
was found to be statistically significant.
DISCUSSION
The present study revealed coexistence of more than one
form of complaint among professional computer users.
In the study, as many as 178 (89%) of the study subjects
reported one or more than one computer-related health
problem. This observation was at par with the results
obtained by Shah and Sjogren-Rouka who reported 93.5%
and 91.8% any complaint among software professionals
and computer operators, respectively.[12,13] This result
proves that computer-related health problems are on the
rise globally and almost all software professionals were
having one or the other kind of computer-related morbidity.
In the current study ocular discomfort (67%), musculo-skeletal
disorders (63%), and psycho-social problems in the form of
stress (44%) were the key health problems identified among
computer professionals. Stress was found to be more common
in male 58 (47.3%) than in females while musculoskeletal
complaints were more common in females 51 (67.1%) than
in males. Similar findings were also seen in a study done in
Delhi among information technology professionals.[1]
In the current study, it was observed that percentage of stress
related to work was much higher among the unmarried
68 (77.3%) professionals than in the married 20 (22.7%)
professionals. The main reason for such findings could be
because of the fact that married workers were able to reduce
their work-related stress at home with their family members
while single workers had no such de-stressors at home and
thus had a greater tendency of doing overtime work.
The most common visual and musculo-skeletal complaint
cited by software professionals were redness in the eyes 54
(40.2%) and pain/stiffness in neck 57 (45.2%), respectively.
However, in a study done in Medical College in Loni,
Maharashtra, watering from eyes (62.6%) and neck pain
(58%) were the most common visual and musculo-skeletal
complaints.[7]

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Shrivastava and Bobhate: Computer related health problems

In a study done in Hongkong bank professionals, most of ergonomics are utilized in the working environment
common site for Musculo-skeletal complaints was again it can definitely result in a decrease in computer-related
neck (31.4%) followed by back (30.6%).[14] Neck was the health problems.
most common site affected in almost all studies probably
because of the static posture which a person has to maintain The present study had its limitations in the form that it was
while working on the computer. This also brings forth a single center-based study. Also, the usage of spectacles
the fact that most of the subjects work for longer periods prior to joining the company was not studied as myopia/
without taking intermittent rest. hypermetropia may be present in some of the subjects before
joining the company.
Study participants who were working on a computer having
an antiglare screen had much lower frequency of visual It is evident that computer-related morbidity has become
complaints (53.4%). Similarly, participants who were using an important occupational health problem and is a matter
cushioned chairs and soft keypads had lower frequency of of great concern. Ocular discomfort, musculo-skeletal
musculoskeletal complaints. Thus, it shows that if principles disorders, and psycho-social problems form the key category
of health problems found among constant computer users.
Table 3: Distribution of visual and musculoskeletal This study has also brought into focus factors contributing
complaints among study participants to the occurrence of these problems. The problem requires
Complaints Male (%) Female (%) Total (%) a multidisciplinary action. The high prevalence makes it
Visual imperative for the concerned personals to take a serious note
Pain 11 (13.5) 16 (30.8) 27 (20.1)
of it. There is an immediate need for the concerned authorities
Irritation/Itching 7 (8.6) 9 (16.9) 16 (11.9)
to collaborate and enforce suitable preventive measures. Since
Redness 24 (29.6) 30 (56.6) 54 (40.2)
Blurring of vision 8 (9.8) 4 (7.5) 12 (8.9)
it was observed in the study that use of antiglare screen,
Decreased vision 7 (8.6) 8 (15) 15 (11.1) cushioned chairs, and soft keypads had resulted in lowered
Burning sensation 24 (29.6) 15 (28.3) 39 (29.9) health problems, application of ergonomics in working
Musculo-skeletal environment is must. There is also an immediate need to
Pain/stiffness in neck 33 (45.2) 24 (47.0) 57 (45.2) sensitize the management of the organizations employing
Pain/stiffness in 7 (9.5) 8 (15.6) 15 (11.9) computer professionals about their problem and enforce
shoulder
Pain/stiffness in lower 22 (30.1) 17 (33.3) 39 (30.9)
suitable preventive measures. Interventions can be mainly
back directed toward workstation redesign (including advanced
Pain/stiffness in 12 (16.4) 14 (27.4) 26 (20.6) ergonomic chairs, motorized adjustable workstations,
hands/wrist/fingers
advanced adjustable keyboards, adjustable copyholders,

Table 4: Distribution of study subjects according to duration of work and type of complaint
Work duration Type of complaints P value
Visual* Musculo-Skeletal† Stress‡ Any complaint§
Hours on computer per day
4-6 (n = 46) 27 (58.6) 18 (39.1) 18 (39.1) 41 (89.1) * = 0.31
† = 0.001
‡ = 0.70
§ = 0.91
6-8 (n = 45) 28 (62.2) 30 (66.6) 21 (46.6) 39 (86.6)
8-10 (n = 73) 52 (71.2) 54 (73.9) 35 (47.9) 65 (89)
>10 (n = 36) 27 (75) 24 (66.6) 14 (38.8) 33 (91.6)
Total 134 (67) 126 (63) 88 (44) 178 (89)
Duration of work (years)
<3 (n = 57) 31 (54.3) 29 (50.8) 34 (59.6) 51 (89.4) * = 0.11
† =0.03
‡ = 0.04
§ =0.65
3-6 (n = 72) 52 (69.2) 44 (61.1) 26 (36.1) 65 (90.2)
6-9 (n = 43) 30 (69.7) 34 (79) 17 (39.5) 39 (90.6)
>9 (n = 28) 21 (75) 19 (67.8) 11 (39.2) 23 (82.1)
Total 134 (67) 126 (63) 88 (44) 178 (89)
Figures in parenthesis are in percentage

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Shrivastava and Bobhate: Computer related health problems

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REFERENCES
How to cite this article: Shrivastava SR, Bobhate PS. Computer
related health problems among software professionals in Mumbai: A
1. Sharma AK, Khera S, Khandekar J. Computer related health problems cross-sectional study. Int J Health Allied Sci 2012;1:74-8.
among information technology professionals in Delhi. Indian J
Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared
Community Med 2006;31:36-8.

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