Affiliations: Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health
Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia | Discipline of Behavioural and Social Sciences in
Health, Faculty of Health Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW,
Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Martin Mackey, Physiotherapy,
Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe,
Sydney, NSW 2141, Australia. Tel.: +61 02 9351 9374; E-mail:
Martin.Mackey@sydney.edu.au
Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the 12-month
prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors associated with
computer-based work between occupations in a sample of Australian public sector
employees. Method: A cross-sectional study was completed with employees of 6
government departments. An online survey was electronically distributed to over
8,000 employees characterised by a range of occupational groups and levels of
employment. Data collected included individual and employment characteristics,
estimation of hours worked with a computer per day and self-reported
musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper extremity and spinal areas using the
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: Responses from 934 completed surveys could be used. There
was no significant difference in the prevalence of reported musculoskeletal
symptoms between occupational groups except for the wrist/hand and elbow areas.
Estimated duration of computer work per day was significantly associated with
increased musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck (OR 1.41, 95%CI: 1.09 to 1.83),
wrist/hand/s (OR 1.46, 95%CI: 1.17 to 1.83) and elbow/s (OR 1.41, 95%CI: 1.07
to 1.85) areas, with the finding of a linear relationship between hours worked
and prevalence of symptoms. A greater proportion of employees in higher level
management and professional occupational groups were found to be working with a
computer in excess of 6 to 8 hours per day compared with those in
non-professional (administration and secretarial) groups. Conclusion: Hours worked with a computer per day was a significant
risk factor for reported musculoskeletal symptoms amongst all occupational
groups working in Australian public sector offices. No significant difference
in the level of risk was found between occupations.
