Technology impacts academia's day-to-day activities: association between musculoskeletal body injuries and nursing faculties’ knowledge and practice on workstation ergonomics

Abstract

Introduction: A poorly designed workplace and improper physical alignment during computer use for long durations may result in poor health outcomes and occupational disability. The study aims to identify the association between nursing faculty members' knowledge and practice of computer workstation ergonomics and musculoskeletal body injuries.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt. A convenience sampling of 133 nursing faculty members reported their knowledge of workstation ergonomics and rated their musculoskeletal pain (MSP) location and severity on valid and reliable self-administered questionnaires designed for the purpose. Those with musculoskeletal disorders were excluded.

Results: Nursing faculty members had good and very good levels of knowledge about computer workstation ergonomics (58.6% and 13.5%). Most reported pain in their neck, shoulder, lower back, lower arm, and wrist (88.0%, 81.2%, 73.7%, and 71.4%, respectively). There is a significant positive correlation between computer use practices and MSP severity in most body parts in the questionnaire. Regression analysis revealed that the duration of computer use and keying were significant risk factors for developing MSPs.

Conclusion: Nursing faculties are advised to apply the principles of computer workstation ergonomics, practice stretching exercises, and take frequent breaks and these principles are included in the workplace orientation training of new staff nurses and refresher training for existing staff nurses to prevent injuries, discomfort and distress and loss of productive hours to the workplace.