Affiliations: Harvard University, School of Public Health,
Department of Health and Social Behavior, Cambridge, MA, USA | University of New Mexico Prevention Research
Center | University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center,
School of Public Health and The Institute for Work and Health, Houston, TX,
USA | Robert Brigham Arthritis Clinical Research Center,
Brigham & Woman's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA and Harvard Medical School,
Cambridge, MA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Jeffrey N. Katz, MD, MS, Division of
Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis
Street, B3, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Tel.: +1 617 732 5356; Fax: +1 617 732 5505;
E-mail jnkatz@partners.org
Abstract: {\it Objectives.} To understand how upper extremity disorders
related to computer use affect graduate and undergraduate university students;
and, to develop hypotheses for prevention and management of these
disorders. {\it Methods.} Focus group discussions concerning upper extremity
disorders were conducted among sixteen symptomatic undergraduate and graduate
students at a private university in the US. Discussions were tape recorded,
transcribed, coded for themes, and analyzed qualitatively. {\it Results.} The findings point to four main themes: 1) the
essential role of computers in academic, social, and personal activities; 2)
the negative impact of upper extremity disorders on students' physical and
emotional well-being, including their career aspirations; 3) students'
expectations and perceptions of medical care providers; and 4) recommendations
for interventions. {\it Conclusion.} Students with upper extremity disorders experience
numerous adverse consequences on a college campus. Effective strategies for
prevention, and treatment of upper extremity disorders in young adults in
universities are needed. Based on this research, an educational and skills
development intervention would appear to be appropriate for preventing
disability due to upper extremity disorders.
Keywords: upper extremity disorders, repetitive strain injury (RSI), college and university
