Cumulative Musculoskeletal Disorders Related to Computer Products Use in Arabic Children and Adolescents

Background and Aim of the Study

Cumulative trauma disorder is physical injury resulting from the cumulative effects of repetitive stressful movements or postures. In recent years, there has been an increasing concern over the association between interactive media, such as computers and video games and reports of aches and pains in users. Computers are being used by children in the school and home environment more frequently and there is little sign that this will reduce. The aim of this study was to examine issues related to Arabic children/adolescents computer products use and upper physical discomforts.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 children and adolescents ranged in age from 7 to 16 years. They were selected from both sexes of equal number. A structured 21-item Arabic questionnaire was used for data gathering. Questionnaire items included frequency and duration of use, type of computer products/ games and input device used, presence of physical discomfort and parental concern related to the child's computer use.

Results:

Many children and adolescents experienced physical discomforts attributed to computer use ranging from neck pain (42%) to backache (30%). Some computer activities such as playing video arcade games and a joystick were significantly predictive of physical discomfort using logistic multiple regression. Independent t-test showed that girls were more likely to complain from neck pain (P=0.000). Many parents used a computer as reward/punishment for the children (65%) and some of them (32%) reported difficulty getting their children off the computer.

Conclusion

The computer products used in this study were associated with self-reported physical discomforts. Results suggested a need for multiyear longitudinal surveys.