A multi-method study evaluating computing-related risk factors among college students.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize undergraduate computer use using different data collection methods, emphasizing computing-related postures, use patterns and upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms.


METHODS
In Spring, 2004, undergraduate students from a single dormitory at a private university agreed to complete a College Computing & Health Survey. For three separate data collection periods each lasting a week, we observed postures during computer once per period and continuously measured computer input device usage. During these three periods, students self-reported computer usage and symptoms 3-5 times daily.


RESULTS
Thirty students participated and all completed the study. Eighty-six percent reported ever experiencing symptoms after computer work. There were no time-related trends across data collection periods for posture, symptoms, and computing activities and patterns. Typed work and communicating (when compared with playing games) were usually the predominant computing activities throughout the semester. There was significantly greater self-reported computer use than that directly measured (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study that utilized several methods of exposure assessment to describe computing postures, use patterns and upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms among a college student cohort. Epidemiological studies need to explore time-related changes such as time of day, weekday, and days into the semester to further understand symptoms, posture, and computer use changes.
Menéndez
Cammie Chaumont
CC
The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Cammie.K.Chaumont@uth.tmc.edu
Amick
Benjamin C
BC
Jenkins
Mark
M
Janowitz
Ira
I
Rempel
David M
DM
Robertson
Michelle
M
Dennerlein
Jack T
JT
Chang
Che-Hsu Joe
CH
Katz
Jeffrey N
JN
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003201:Computers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D013334:Students