RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
BANGALORE, KARNATAKA
ANNEXURE – II
PROFORMA FOR REGISTRATION OF SUBJECT FOR DISSERTATION
1. /NAME OF THE CANDIDATE AND ADDRESS
/ ASHAF ALIS/o Mr. Azad ali
Mohala resala Tehsil sarada,
Udaipur, Rajasthan
2. / NAME OF THE INSTITUTION / THE OXFORD COLLEGE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
J.P. Nagar 1st Phase.
Bangalore-78.
3. / COURSE OF STUDY AND SUBJECT / MASTERS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY (Musculoskeletal disorders and sports physiotherapy)
4. / DATE OF ADMISSION TO THE COURSE / 09-05-07
5. / TITLE OF THE STUDY:
A STUDY TO IDENTIFY THE PREVALENCE OF OCCUPATION RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEM IN COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS.
6
7 / BRIEF RESUME OF THE INTENDED WORK
6.1 a) INTRODUCTION
India being the forerunner in the cyber world the occupational health personals is slowly awakening to this group of modern occupational diseases, which are slowly taking its roots among the information technology (IT) professionals. These problems if ignored can prove debilitating and can cause crippling injuries forcing one to change one's profession. There is an urgent need to understand the dynamics of these problems and prevent it from assuming epidemic proportions.1 The study conducted in Carnegie Mellon University, researcher found not only a correlation between computer usage and lowered sense of psychological well being, also that there were grounds for causation as well.
Occupationally caused musculoskeletal problem are first among the health problems in the frequency with which they affect the quality of life of the work performance and quality of work environment. A call center operator's tasks involve the use of computer. Among computer operators, risk factors associated with work-related musculo-skeletal disorders, include the integration of biomechanical factors such as static muscular overload, repetitive motions, conditions related to the work station and work environment and issues related to the working organization, as well as those associated with the psychosocial aspects of work.2
6.1 b)NEED OF THE STUDY:-
Computer, a hallmark of technology advancement and bangalore city, the IT hub in the recent years being the forerunner in the cyber world. But the technological advancement has ushered in a new
genre of occupational health problem i.e. computer related health problems, which are slowly taking its roots among the information technology (IT) professionals with young people being introduced to computers much early in life with increasing work load (time, stress, etc), it is on the more important to be aware of the problems and follow necessary preventing steps to check the progression of computer related health problems.
Computer related health problem usually caused or aggravated by poor work process and unsuitable working condition. The common complaints by the computer professionals are; discomfort, persistent pain, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, stress. These all are the common problems among the computer professionals.3
The factors which lead these problems are maintaining constraints postures for long period of time, lack of breaks, poor ergonomics, heavy work loads, type of work, long working hours, working environments, work demands and work pressure.
The study aims to find out the prevalence of occupations related musculoskeletal and psychological problems among computer professionals. These problems are the key health and safety issues of the modern information technology era. There is need for implementation of programs that includes the concepts of ergonomics, health education, and training of personnel so as to be able to prevent and overcome from this occupation related musculoskeletal and psychological problems.
6.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Thomas T.W.Chiu-Peggo k.W.lam (2007)4: found that secondary school teachers who were working with computer had high prevalence of neck pain and upper limb pain. the prevalence of neck pain was found 69.3% and prevalence of upper limb pain was found 35.8%.
Sara Thomee et al (2007)5: this study was a prospective study found that high quantity of information and communication technology have an impact on psychological health (prolong stress,depression,sleep disturbance).
David G.C.(2005)6: In ergonomics method for assessing exposure to risk for work related musculoskeletal disorder. this review provides an overview of the range of method that have been developed for the assessment of exposure of risk factor for work related musculoskeletal disorder.
Suparna Ket al.(2005)1: A cross sectional study was done among 200 information technology (IT) professionals in the capital region(NCR)to study the computer related health problems and role of ergonomics factors. and found that visual problem were seen in 76% and 35%felt stressful symptoms.
Jensen Chris (2003)7 : development of neck and hand – wrist symptoms in relation to duration of computer use at work. This study attempted to identify risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms in neck , hand – wrist regions among employees using computers at work , the duration of computer use predicted hand wrist symptoms for almost continual computer use. Concluded that
limited computer use to less than three –fourths of the work time would help to prevent hand – wrist symptoms.
Van Dijk FjH 8 : The Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire for the measurement of musculoskeletal workloads in worker groups : (description and basic qualities ). Analysis of musculoskeletal workload and associated potential hazardous working conditions as well as musculoskeletal symptoms in worker populations and its qualities are explored using 1,575 workers in various occupations that completed the questionnaire. And concluded that this questionnaire can be used as a simple and quick inventory for occupational health services to identify worker groups in which a more thorough ergonomic analysis is indicated.
Lawrence R.Wu et al.( 2001)9 : the Duke Anxiety- Depression Scale ( DUKE-AD) is the 7-item anxiety depression subscale of the DUKE that has been validated separately as a screening instrument for anxiety and depression.
6.3 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
· To identify the prevalence of occupational related musculoskeletal problem among computer professional.
· To identify the prevalence of occupational related psychological problem among computer professional.
6.4 HYPOTHESIS
a) Null hypothesis:
There is no prevalence of occupational related musculoskeletal & psychological problem among computer professional.
b) Research hypothesis
There is a prevalence of occupational related musculoskeletal & psychological problem among computer professional.
MATERIAL AND METHOD:
7.1 STUDY DESING AND SETTING:
7.1.1 Study design:
Survey study.
7.1.2 Source of data:
I.T companies in and around bangalore.
7.2 METHODLOGY:
7.2.1 Population:
Male and female age of 20-40years.
7.2.2 a) Inclusion criteria:
· Computer operator who are working 6-8hr per day.
· Age group of 22-35yrs.
· Both gender.
· Subject willing to participate in the study.
b) Exclusion criteria:
· Subject with cardio respiratory or neurological disorder.
· Prior history of any musculoskeletal or psychological problem.
· Any trauma or fracture of limbs.
· Congenital limb abnormalities
7.2.3 Sampling:
Sampling Method:
· Stratified random sampling.
Sample size:
· n = 250 subject.
7.2.4 Procedure:
The study sample is consists of 250 subjects working in software company in and around
Bangalore and it is conducted in different age group between 22-35 years. The study is conducted in software company because of their continuous engagement of work for long duration. The subject fulfilling inclusion criteria are selected for study.
The study is conducted with the prior permission of the project manager of the concern company and after approval of the permission the study has been conducted. Consent will be obtained from the subject then The Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire and Duke anxiety-depression rating scale questionnaire is given to the subject. Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire addresses about health, work load and musculoskeletal problems, dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire is consisting of close ended yes and no type of question. Duke anxiety depression rating scale is consists of question with option and each option score is given. the subject should mark one answer of each question, choose the answer that is best in your opinion.
a)Duration and follow up : 3 months(including data collection and evaluation)
· No follow up, because it is a survey study.
b)Material used:
Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire and Duke anxiety depression rating scale.
7.3 7.3.1 Outcome measure:
Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire and Duke anxiety depression rating scale.
7.3.2 Statistical analysis:Data analysis:
· Chi square test
7.4 a) Does the study require any intervention to be conducted on patient or other human being or animal?
· Dutch questionnaire and Duke is used to find prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder and psychological problem respectively.
b) Has ethical consent for the study has been obtained from the software company?
· Yes, it has been obtained from software company.
· Ethical clearance form is attached as Appendix I
· The informed consent form will be obtained prior to the study in their native language on Appendix II.
8. / REFERENCES:
1) Suparna K et al. Occupational health problems and role of ergonomics in information technology professionals in national capital region. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2005 ; 9 : 111-4.
2) Kesavachandran C et al. Working conditions and health among employees at information technology - enabled services: A review of current evidence. Indian J Med Sci 2007 Oct 27;60:300-7.
3) Subratty AH, Korumtollee F. occupational overuse syndrome among the keyboard users in Mauritius. Indian journal Occup Environ Med 2005 ; 9 : 71-5.
4) Chiu, Thomas;Lam, Peggo. The Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Neck Pain and Upper Limb Pain among Secondary School Teachers in Hong Kong. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, Volume 17,Number 1, March 2007 , pp. 19-32(14).
5) THOMEESara. Prevalence of perceived stress, symptoms of depression and sleep disturbances in relation to information and communication technology (ICT) use among young adults : an explorative prospective study. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007;23: 1300-1321.
6) David G.C, ergonomics method for assessing exposure to risk factor for work Related musculoskeletal disorders. Occup med (lond). 2005 may; 55(3): 190-9.
7) Jensen Chris. Development of neck and hand wrist symptoms in relation to duration of computer use at work. Scandinavian journal of work, environment and health. 2003 ; 29(3) : 197 – 205.
8) Van Dijk FJH et al. The Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaire for the measurement of musculoskeletal workload in worker groups: description and basic qualities. Ergonomics , 2001 , vol 44 , n-12 , 10 october , pp 1038 – 1055(18).
9) Lawrence R Wu et al. Health perception,pain and Disability as correlates of anxiety and depression symptoms in primary care patients. J Am board fam pract 2002;15:pp183-90.
9. / Signature of candidate
10. / Remarks of the guide
11. / NAME AND DESIGNATION OF
11.1 Guide / Mr. C.Dinesh, MPT, Assistant Professor.
11.2 Signature
11.3 Co-Guide
11.4 Signature
11.5 Head of the Department
11.6 Signature
12. / 12.1 Remarks of Chairman and
Principal
12.2 Signature
APPENDIX I
THE OXFORDS COLLEGE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
I PHASE, J.P Nagar, Bangalore-560078
Review Board on Ethics for Research
We here by declare that the project titled,
“A study to identify the prevalence of occupation related musculoskeletal and psychological problem in computer professionals.”
Carried out by Mr. ASHAF ALI M.P.T Ist year has been brought forward for scrutiny to the board members. After analyzing the Objectives, subjects involved and the methodology of the project, the following conclusions were drawn.
The project does not have any mental or physical harm to the subjects involved and there is no risks involved in mental or physical harm to the subjects. The board has evaluated and confirmed that the experimenter is trained and qualified in carrying out the study. The informed consent form prepared ensures that, the experimenter explains the procedure of the study to the subjects, their voluntary participation is confirmed and the identification and details of subjects is maintained confidential.
Further more the finding of the study will benefit similar subjects, the profession and the society.
Hence the review board has no objections on the conduct of the study.
Chair of Departmental Review Board Project Guide
Principal
APPENDIX II
CONSENT FORM
Title : A STUDY TO IDENTIFY THE PREVALENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEM IN COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS.
INVESTIGATOR: Mr.ASHAF ALI.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:
I ------have been informed that, this study is carried out to understand the Musculoskeletal and psychological problem in population working in the software profession by using the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Duke anxiety depression scale. This study will help the health professional to find out the Musculoskeletal and psychological problems in people working with computers for more than 6-8 hrs.
PROCEDURE:
I understand that the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Duke-AD scale is used to identify Musculoskeletal and psychological problems. This study is conducted through means of a Questionnaire and scale which contains short and simple questions with clear instructions on how to fill the form. I am aware that I have to follow the Researcher’s instructions as has been conveyed to me.
RISK AND DISCOMFORT:
I understand that there is no potential risk associated with this study and this study will not produce any harm to me by participating in it. I understand that there will not be any discomfort through out the study. I am aware that Mr.ASHAF ALI will be with me during the research procedure.
BENEFITS:
This study will help to identify the most affected body area with Musculoskeletal and psychological problems in computer professionals.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
The information made available through this questionnaire and scale is for research purposes only. All personal information provided via this document will be treated as private and highly confidential. The researcher will not share this personal information with any third party without obtaining my consent.
REQUEST FOR MORE INFORMATION:
I understand that I may ask any question about this study at any time and Mr. ASHAF ALI is available to answer my questions. Copy of this consent form will be given to me for careful reading.
REFUSAL OR WITHDRAWAL OF PARTICIPATION:
I understand that my participation is voluntary and I may refuse or withdraw consent and discontinue participation at any time. I also understand that he may terminate my participation in the study at any time after he has explained the reasons for doing so.
INJURY STATEMENT:
I understand that in the unlikely event of injury resulting directly from my participation in this study, medical treatment would be available but no further compensation will be provided. I understand my agreement to participate in this study and I am not waiving any of my legal rights.