The Relationship Between Psychosocial Work Factors, Work Stress and Computer-Related Musculoskeletal Discomforts Among Computer Users in Malaysia

• Published in: International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 425 - 434
• Main Authors: Zakerian, Seyed Abolfazl, Subramaniam, Indra Devi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.01.2009
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude to Computers; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Linear Models; Malaysia; Male; Microcomputers; musculoskeletal discomfort; Musculoskeletal Diseases - etiology; Occupational Diseases - psychology; Occupational Health; office worker; psychosocial work factors; Social Support; Stress, Psychological - psychology; work stress; Workplace; Malaysia
• ISSN: 1080-3548; 2376-9130
• DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2009.11076822

Increasing numbers of workers use computer for work. So, especially among office workers, there is a high risk of musculoskeletal discomforts. This study examined the associations among 3 factors, psychosocial work factors, work stress and musculoskeletal discomforts. These associations were examined via a questionnaire survey on 30 office workers (at a university in Malaysia), whose jobs required an extensive use of computers. The questionnaire was distributed and collected daily for 20 days. While the results indicated a significant relationship among psychosocial work factors, work stress and musculoskeletal discomfort, 3 psychosocial work factors were found to be more important than others in both work stress and musculoskeletal discomfort: job demands, negative social interaction and computer-related problems. To further develop study design, it is necessary to investigate industrial and other workers who have experienced musculoskeletal discomforts and work stress.