title: Workers' compensation experiences of computer users with musculoskeletal disorders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Computer-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are of concern as computer use continues to increase. While MSDs are among the most disabling conditions in the United States, the workers' compensation (WC) experiences of individuals with these occupational disorders are not well described.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a study among 149 adults with work-related MSDs of the neck, upper back, or upper extremity related to computer use. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on subjective experiences with WC and economic issues.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-four percent filed for WC. Twenty-five percent of all participants reported major financial difficulties after developing their MSD, though the majority filed for WC. Despite filing for WC, a large proportion relied partially on government, employer, or personal financial sources. Sixty-two percent reported that overall satisfaction with the WC insurer was poor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicate that a majority of participants filed for WC. Despite filing for WC financial difficulties after developing their MSD were considerable.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. sfang@hsph.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Shona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dropkin
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Herbert
authors.forename: Dushana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Triola
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Landsbergis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000191:economics*