Musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate laptop users in a Nigerian University.
OBJECTIVE
Musculoskeletal disorder is a significant health problem affecting adults and young people alike. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain resulting from musculoskeletal disorders is on the increase especially with increased use of laptops. This study determined the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife who use laptops.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study and participants were selected using the non-probability sampling technique. The Boston University Computer and Health Survey questionnaire was self-administered to 400 undergraduate laptop users. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage.


RESULTS
Three hundred and seventy six out of 400 copies of administered questionnaires were amenable to data analysis representing a response rate of 94%. Pain in the shoulder was the most reported musculoskeletal complaint from 268 (75.7%) participants. Elbow pain was the least common complaint from 132 (37.3%) participants. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was slightly higher among female students 93 (50.3%) of 185 and highest among students aged between 24 and 26 years: 60 (37.5%). In addition, the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was highest among those who used single-strap laptop bags 176 (94.1%).


CONCLUSIONS
There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate laptop users in OAU and shoulder pain was the most commonly reported.
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Adebimpe Olayinka
AO
Obembe
Olubusola Esther
OE
Johnson
Tolulope Odunayo
TO
Tanimowo
Ayodele Teslim
AT
Onigbinde
Anne Anthonette
AA
Emechete
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003201:Computers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009548:Niger / Q000453:epidemiology; D011187:Posture; D015995:Prevalence; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014495:Universities
Musculoskeletal; laptop users; shoulder pain