Risk Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Computer Users Post-COVID-19 Pandemic at Al-Baha University.

Background: Due to the worldwide lockdowns brought on by the Covid-19 epidemic, a natural increase in the use of digital technologies has occurred, leading to an increase in musculoskeletal disorders among computer users. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among computer users' post-COVID-19 pandemic at Al-Baha University. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilized; three hundred computer users participated in the study selected by simple random sampling at Al-Baha University for 4 months. Data was obtained by modified standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, posture observation checklist, and workstation observation checklist, and analyzed by SPSS 20. Results: In the prevalence of WMSD among the respondents; the uppermost prevalence rate of WMSDs symptoms in the last 12 months was related to the neck (62.7%), lower back (59%), upper back (55.3%), right shoulder (46%), and right wrist (45.3%). In total preventive ergonomic practices scored workstation design 70 %, and 63.3% respectively of the participants scored poorly. Multivariate and univariate regression models showed that female participants were 2.189 times more likely to develop WMSDs than male participants [OR= 2.189, 95% CI 1.063 - 4.507]. Older age was 1.685 times more likely to develop WMSDs than younger age [OR= 1.308, 95% CI 1.193 - 1.434]. Conclusion: The highest regions of the body that experienced work musculoskeletal disorders post-COVID-19 pandemic were the neck, lower back, upper back, and right shoulder. Being female, older age, and years of working as a computer user were predictor factors of developing WMSDs. Respondents who have good preventive ergonomic practices and workstation adjustment were less likely to develop WMSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]