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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Nancy A. Baker, ScD, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 5012 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, (412) 383-6607, nab36@pitt.edu
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities (WMSD-UE) have become one of the most significant occupational injuries of the twentieth century. WMSD-UE refers to injuries to the shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand that are not traumatic, but are believed to be related to occupational overuse. Although computer use has been cited as a major cause of WMSD-UE, there is little information about the number of WMSD-UE that can be attributed to computer use. This study used secondary data analysis of West Virginia workers’ compensation data to determine the overall incidence of WMSD-UE related to computer use in West Virginia and compared those results to the incidence of WMSD-UE for other jobs. Methods: Workers’ compensation claims from 1996 to 2001 were obtained from West Virginia Bureau of Employment Programs. Injury type was identified from ICD-9 and CPT codes. Computer use was identified either from injury source or job title. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated for age, gender, year, WMSD-UE type, occupation, direct costs, and computer use. Incident rates for WMSD-UE for age, gender, and computer use for both West Virginia were calculated using information on employment available through the Department of Labor and Industries. Rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for WMSD-UE in both computer users and non-computer users and compared using student t tests. Results: This study helps put incidence of WMSD-UE related to computer use in perspective and helps to identify research objectives related to WMSD-UE and computer use.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Ergonomics, Injury
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.