title: Prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms with computer based work across occupations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Karin Lindgren
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: Martin G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Mackey
authors.forename: Barbara J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Adamson
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Pepper
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D016288:Computer Terminals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006077:Government Agencies; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D034941:Upper Extremity; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data