Examination of Musculoskeletal System Disorders and Ergonomic Conditions in the Work Environment of Academics Providing Distance Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate whether the incidence rate of musculoskeletal system disorders changed owing to the increase in the time spent on the computer by academics who did or did not provide distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL/METHODS: The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal discomfort experienced in the past 1 week. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Computer Workstations Evaluation Checklist was used to assess the ergonomic structure of the work environment. The questionnaire assessed musculoskeletal system disorders and collected demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The study group included 184 (101 male, 83 female) academics who provided distance education, whereas the control group included 82 (44 male, 38 female) academics who did not provide distance education. The mean ages of academics in the study group and control group were 37.46±7.34 and 41.26±10.06 years, respectively. Although computer-based work environment ergonomics were similar (P>0.05) in both groups during the pandemic, the incidence rate of musculoskeletal disorders was significantly high in the study group (P<0.001). These disorders were mostly seen in the neck, back, and waist regions (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the incidence rate of musculoskeletal disorders increased in academics who provided distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic.