Some health hazards among computer users

ABSTRACT

Although computers enhance our capacity and speed of processing information or data, enabling one to perform tasks which might otherwise take days. weeks or months or even be impossible, it carries certain risks to their users. To investigate the health hazards associated with computer use Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 138 computer users chosen from different computer centers in Mansoura city and 120 matched controls. The study revealed significantly higher frequency of general health effects [fatigue, headache, recurrent common cold and sore throat], musculoskeletal and eye complaints among computer users than controls. Skin manifestations showed no statistical significant difference between computer users and controls. Menstrual and reproductive troubles were more frequent among computer working females than control females but the difference was statistically insignificant. The study also, showed that all the psychological traits using middlesex hospital questionnaire [MHQ] were more frequent among computer users compared to controls but the differences were statistically insignificant except for anxiety and obsession. As regard features of computer equipment and work enviromnent as determining factors for these health hazards, it will be discussed. Computer use was significantly associated with some health hazard. So it is recommended to apply ergonomic principles to the design of workplace, equipment and work environment in addition to periodical examination and health education of computer users