Musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate laptop users in a Nigerian University

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Obembe, Adebimpe Olayinka^*; | Johnson, Olubusola Esther | Tanimowo, Tolulope Odunayo | Onigbinde, Ayodele Teslim | Emechete, Anne Anthonette

Affiliations: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Dr. Adebimpe Obembe, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Tel.: +234 8033610965; E-mail: bimpy248@yahoo.com

Abstract: Background and Objective:Musculoskeletal disorder is a significant health problem affecting adults and young people alike. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain resulting from musculoskeletal disorders is on the increase especially with increased use of laptops. This study determined the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife who use laptops. Material and Method:This was a cross-sectional study and participants were selected using the non-probability sampling technique. The Boston University Computer and Health Survey questionnaire was self-administered to 400 undergraduate laptop users. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. Results:Three hundred and seventy six out of 400 copies of administered questionnaires were amenable to data analysis representing a response rate of 94%. Pain in the shoulder was the most reported musculoskeletal complaint from 268 (75.7%) participants. Elbow pain was the least common complaint from 132 (37.3%) participants. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was slightly higher among female students 93 (50.3%) of 185 and highest among students aged between 24 and 26 years: 60 (37.5%). In addition, the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was highest among those who used single-strap laptop bags 176 (94.1%). Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate laptop users in OAU and shoulder pain was the most commonly reported.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal, shoulder pain, laptop users

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-130397

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 389-395, 2013