Analysis of Occupational and Non-Occupational Factors Related to Spinal Pain in Office Workers Who Use Computer: A Cross-Sectional Study From Türkiye

Abstract

Background:

Identifying work-related musculoskeletal pain and the factors that influence it is the first step in preventing and reducing office worker complaints.

Purpose:

This study aimed to analyze occupational and non-occupational risk factors related to spinal pain and to develop a model for predicting the risk of spinal pain in office workers.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used to determine the presence of spinal pain. The sample consisted of computer-using office workers from a university (N = 264), of whom 162 (61.3%) were male, 102 (38.7%) were female. They were assessed for occupational (work-related inquiries, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA] evaluates the risk of workers to upper extremity-related ergonomic risk factors, and Rapid Office Strain Assessment [ROSA] evaluates workplace-related ergonomic risk factors) and non-occupational factors (demographic information). Independent samples t-test was used to compare office workers with and without spinal pain. The model was developed using stepwise multiple regression analysis.

Results:

Chair features were linked to pain in the neck, upper and lower back. Computer peripherals were related to the pain in the neck and upper back. Accurate predictors of spinal pain in computer-using office workers were identified as older age, female gender, higher BMI, prolonged weekly computer use time, no passive rest breaks, higher RULA and ROSA scores.

Conclusion:

Prevention of spinal pain should be focused on comprehensive health strategies aimed at increasing awareness of work posture and workplace ergonomics, especially for older, female, and high BMI computer-using office workers.