Introduction: Increasing use of computers presents a health risk and can cause work-related diseases. The main risk factors for onset of upper extremity musculoskeletal diseases of are physical load, work organization, psychosocial factors and mental stress and individual factors. Purpose: The purpose of our diploma work was to translate the Maastricht upper extremity questionnaire into Slovenian language and assess the validity of translation, assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases of arm, neck and/or shoulder in computer workers at two Slovenian companies and analyse the correlation between musculoskeletal diseases and computer work related risk factors for latter. Methods: We have translated the Maastricht upper extremity questionnaire into Slovenian language and created an online version of it. The questionnaire has been sent to computer workers in two Slovenian companies. Study population has been selected using convenience sampling considering availability and willingness to participate. For quantitative data analysis we have used 102 completely fulfilled questionnaires. Results: Prevalence rate of musculoskeletal diseases over the past twelve months that lasted for at least one week was 59,8 %. The most frequently reported were neck complaints with prevalence of 41,2 %. The complaints were more frequent in females than males in all upper extremity anatomical areas. Using exploratory factor analysis, we have extracted 13 factors (computer position, office equipment, head and body posture, uncomfortable body posture, decision authority, skill discretion, task complexity, time pressure, break time autonomy, work variability, air quality and noise, quality of light and temperature, work dynamics). Calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficients and corrected item-total correlations have proved validity of sub scales. Spearman's and Pearson's correlation coefficients have shown 12 correlations among individual factors and upper extremity areas. Discussion and conclusion: We have concluded that the questionnaire is reliable and appropriate for use in practice. The prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases of upper extremity in two Slovenian companies is comparable with other developed countries. Our findings regarding connections between risk factors and diseases slightly differ from findings in other researches. For a better understanding of disease occurrence as a consequence of factor interactions, a longitudinal study should be conducted.
|