STUDY TO KNOW THE WORK ASSOCIATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN SOFTWARE PROFESSIONALS

Objective: This study was conducted to conclude the pattern and frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among software specialists and to estimate the relationship between computer-related factors, sociodemographic factors and MSD.

Study Design: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Place and Duration: In collaboration with Department of Community medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore/ Mayo Hospital Lahore among software professionals working in Lahore division for one year duration from March 2018 to March 2019.

Method: The study includes software professionals working in information technology (IT) companies in Lahore. The sampling method was non- probabilistic purposive sampling. In a questionnaire, the data was collected containing business details, standardized Nordic questionnaire and personal data.

Results: The MSD prevalence in the last year, last one week and annual disability was 69%, 49.2% and 16.6%, respectively. The MSD related disorders related prevalence to the studies reported in the last 12 months by body regions was lower back (22.89%), neck (29.56%), knee (9.56%) and shoulder (12.17%). There was a strong significant variation in regular exercise, gender, 5 working days per week, working more than eight hours per day, and the habit of taking small breaks during regular working hours. There was no significant statistically variation in terms of BMI, age and study years.

Conclusions: The study concluded that MSD is reported widely among software professionals working in IT in Pakistan. Therefore, an appropriate prevention strategy should be implemented in order to work comfortably.

Key words: Musculoskeletal disorders, prevalence, software specialists.