title: Work with visual display units and musculoskeletal disorders: A cross-sectional study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epidemiological studies have shown that employees working with visual display units (VDU) are more likely to complain about musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of this study has been to evaluate associations among MSDs and individuals and work-related factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1032 VDU workers were assessed about their personal (i.e., age, working history, smoking history, physical activity) and work-related factors (i.e., predominant job tasks performed, work posture). Work environment was evaluated regarding fulfillment of the standard ISO 9241-5:1998. The investigation required a direct observation of participants (in order to accurately assess the prevalence of MSDs) and workstations. Adjusted odds ratios (ORa) were calculated by means of the logistic regression model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of MSDs was relatively high (53%). In general, MSDs were significantly associated with female sex (OR = 2.832, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.178-3.683), age ≥ 50 years old (OR = 2.231, 95% CI: 1.236-4.026), longer exposure to VDU, both as working history (10-14 years: OR = 1.934, 95% CI: 1.301-2.875; ≥ 15 years: OR = 2.223, 95% CI: 1.510-3.271) and working time (30-39 h/week: OR = 1.537, 95% CI: 1.087-2.273). Inappropriate workstation design was confirmed by the multivariate analysis as a risk factor for MSDs (ORa = 2.375, 95% CI: 1.124-5.018).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Musculoskeletal disorders were significantly associated with individual factors as well as characteristics of work environment. An appropriate design of workstations may significantly reduce their prevalence amongst VDU workers. Med Pr 2016;67(6):707-719.
authors.affiliation: Provincial Agency for Health Services of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Trento, Italy (Department of Prevention, Occupational Health and Safety Unit). mricco2000@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Riccò
authors.affiliation: University of Parma, Parma, Italy (School of Nursing Sciences, Department of Clinical Surgery, General Surgery and Surgical Therapy). silvia.cattani@libero.it.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cattani
authors.affiliation: University of Parma, Parma, Italy (School of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine). gualerzi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gualerzi
authors.affiliation: University of Parma, Parma, Italy (Specialization School in Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences). carlo.signorelli@unipr.it.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Signorelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D011044:Poland; D011187:Posture; D012307:Risk Factors; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D017132:Workplace
keywords: ergonomics; job stress; musculoskeletal disorders; office workers; visual display unit; work-related musculoskeletal disorders