This Master's Thesis investigates problems and disorders of musculoskeletal system of users’ due to overuse of mobile electronic devices. Most popular mobile devices include mobile phones, laptops, tablets and gaming consoles. Each user disposes of at least 2 mobile electronic devices, on average. Based on their features, mobile devices may be used at work, replacing desktop computers, and also in free time. Due to their versatility, devices are used on a daily basis, several hours in a day. This may cause problems in users, which may develop into musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal problems and disorders may persist from childhood to adulthood when users become employed and the intensity of musculoskeletal problems reaches the highest point.
To obtain information on the current status of musculoskeletal problems among students, a survey was conducted at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the University of Ljubljana. Results of the survey involving 535 students showed that, on average, students were using mobile devices 3 to 4 hours a day. 39.6 % of students had mobile device-related musculoskeletal problems, where most common were the back (57.1 %) and shoulder pain (50 %). Other pain types reported by students included the pain in the neck, wrist, arm and fingers. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant associations between various factors, and the pain in the back, neck and shoulders.
Because are musculoskeletal disorders an ever-increasing cause for workforce absenteeism, the master's thesis listed ergonomic measures for safe and healthy use of mobile phones, laptops and tablets in order to reduce the number of musculoskeletal problems. The target population who should be most aware of the mobile devices-related problems is represented by teenagers and students. Also, they should regularly renew their knowledge of mobile electronic device ergonomics for safe and healthy work with mobile electronic devices, to make the most of such knowledge when they become employed.
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