Arthralgia in computer users in Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesExcessive use of computers causes many health problems, including joint and back pain. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of neck, wrist, shoulder and low back pain among computer users and in particular among bank employees.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of bank employees working in the province of Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered questionnaire. Frequencies, percentages and arithmetic means (±SD) were calculated. The chi-squared test, Student's t test and correlation coefficients were used appropriately. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe response rate was 87.7% (114/130). The mean age of the population was 32.7 ± 5.80 years. The mean duration of computer use was 11.7 ± 4.48 years, with a significant difference between men and women (p = 0.001). The mean daily length of use of computers was 8.2 ± 2.68 h. Most people (87.7%) were continuous users; nevertheless, 78.1% took breaks, of whom 68.5% were women. More than one third (36.6%) of episodes of pain were tingling in nature, with a significant male–female difference (p = 0.012). More than half the pain attacks (56.1%) were relieved by massage and 32.9% by medication, rest or exercise. All the pain sites were correlated with gender, using support and taking breaks.ConclusionMen used computers more than women, and most used them continuously. More than half of pain episodes were relieved by massage. The pain site was correlated with gender, using supports and taking breaks. Public education and guidelines for the safe use of computers should be provided and observed by computer users.