Prevalence of complaints of arm, neck, and shoulders among computer professionals in Bangalore: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Complaints of arm, neck, and shoulders (CANS) is a common problem among patients whose work involves computer use, but often ignored most importantly by the physicians partly due to not being able to appreciate the importance of taking a careful detailed occupational history of exposure to a repetitive activity involving upper arms. Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders constitute a major portion of occupation-related illness with annual costs related to treatment and absenteeism from work ranging between $45 and 54 billion in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done to assess the factors contributing to CANS among computer professionals in Bangalore. We screened 206 professionals and 181 were administered Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ). Chi-square and logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Prevalence of CANS in the study group was 58.6%. Neck complaints topped the list followed by shoulder, wrist, hand, elbow, upper arm, and lower arm complaints in the descending order. Women had overall higher prevalence and significantly higher prevalence of upper limb complaints than men. Inadequate space, maintaining good posture, and repetition of same tasks have emerged as an independent factors associated with CANS. CONCLUSION: CANS is highly prevalent among computer professionals working in small and medium-sized companies. Provision of adequate workspace and ergonomic designs of workstations are the modifiable risk factors which can be addressed by the employers to reduce the morbidity associated with CANS. Employees could correct postures and improve work habits.